Namibia stands out as Nigeria ranks low in women’s representation in Africa
Source: Daily Trust
Nigeria ranks among the lowest in Africa for women’s political representation, while countries like Rwanda, Namibia, and South Africa lead with robust gender-inclusive policies and high female participation in governance.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, remains near the bottom of the continental rankings, with only 4.1% of seats in its National Assembly held by women as of 2025. This figure pales in comparison to countries like Rwanda (61.3%), Namibia (44.2%), and South Africa (42.7%), which have institutionalised gender parity through legal reforms and party-level quotas.
Rwanda stands as the global leader in women’s parliamentary representation. Following the 1994 genocide, the country rebuilt its political system with gender equity at its core. The Rwandan constitution mandates a minimum 30 per cent representation for women in decision-making bodies, and political parties actively promote female candidates. As a result, women occupy over 60 per cent of seats in the lower house, and hold key ministerial positions in health, education, and gender affairs.
Full article here.
Nigeria ranks among the lowest in Africa for women’s political representation, while countries like Rwanda, Namibia, and South Africa lead with robust gender-inclusive policies and high female participation in governance.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, remains near the bottom of the continental rankings, with only 4.1% of seats in its National Assembly held by women as of 2025. This figure pales in comparison to countries like Rwanda (61.3%), Namibia (44.2%), and South Africa (42.7%), which have institutionalised gender parity through legal reforms and party-level quotas.
Rwanda stands as the global leader in women’s parliamentary representation. Following the 1994 genocide, the country rebuilt its political system with gender equity at its core. The Rwandan constitution mandates a minimum 30 per cent representation for women in decision-making bodies, and political parties actively promote female candidates. As a result, women occupy over 60 per cent of seats in the lower house, and hold key ministerial positions in health, education, and gender affairs.
Full article here.