Gender and governance in SADC

– Representation of women in parliament has gone from an average of 21% in 2005 to 25% in 2011 in the SADC region compared to 3% to 19% globally. SADC comes second to Nordic countries.
– Quota systems are gaining ground: Mauritius is about to join Lesotho and Tanzania to have legislated quotas.
– For all countries holding elections this year or before 2015 (e.g. Zambia, DRC) this will be the last opportunity to achieve the target. As many countries still do not have legislated or voluntary quotas, this poses major challenges.
– The key to change is political will. The fact that women are still least well represented in cabinet (with some exceptions, like South Africa) throws into question the political commitment of leaders.
– Civil society has re-launched the 5050 campaign to guard the gains made since SADC Heads of State adopted the 5050 target in 2005. These gains need to be urgently pressed home in the coming period.

Source: 2011 SADC Gender Protocol Barometer