The imperative of expanding women’s workforce participation

Africa, a continent rich in natural resources and human potential, faces considerable economic hurdles, with the limited representation of women in the workforce standing as a key impediment to growth. Research from the Mastercard Foundation reveals that increasing women’s participation in formal employment could contribute nearly $287 billion to the African economy by 2030, translating to a 5% boost in GDP. C&S Secretarial Services, experts in corporate support for Mauritius-based companies, examines the critical role of women in the economy, the barriers they face, and strategies to unlock their untapped potential.

Women’s economic contribution

Despite comprising nearly half of Africa’s population, women’s workforce participation remains among the lowest globally. Their contribution to Africa’s GDP declined from 18% in 2000 to just 11% by 2022. Skilled and capable, many women remain confined to informal, low-wage, and insecure jobs. In Namibia, for example, government policies for gender equality raised female workforce participation by a mere 2 percentage points over five years, reaching 42%.

Across sectors like agriculture, industry, and services, women play vital roles. Many operate small businesses or are employed in hospitality and retail; however, their potential remains hindered by numerous structural and cultural obstacles.

Challenges to women’s participation

Several significant barriers restrict women’s workforce access in Africa:

Family obligations

Many women manage family duties that impede full-time work participation. Balancing these responsibilities is especially challenging without accessible childcare options.

Gender discrimination and stereotypes

Persistent gender bias in many African societies limits women’s professional opportunities. Traditional gender expectations often constrain their career aspirations.

Limited access to education and training

While school enrolment for girls has increased, access disparities endure, particularly in rural areas. A lack of vocational training further restricts women from acquiring workforce-relevant skills.

Financial constraints

Access to financial services remains a major challenge. With 66% of African women without a bank account in 2021, limited financial resources hinder their ability to invest in economic activities.

Hostile work environments

Those women who enter professional fields frequently face workplace hostility, with harassment and discrimination remaining all too common.

Economic benefits of greater female workforce participation

Investing in women’s workforce integration could yield substantial economic gains. Research shows that if women’s participation matched men’s in certain African regions, GDP could increase by up to 51%. This potential growth is driven by several factors:

Increased consumption: Higher female workforce participation boosts household income, spurring consumption and stimulating the local economy.

Economic diversification: Women contribute unique skills and perspectives that enrich economic sectors, fostering innovation and diversity within companies.

Enhanced living standards: Access to well-paying jobs improves health and educational outcomes for women’s children, helping to break poverty cycles.

Social stability: Economic empowerment of women reduces gender inequality, fostering social stability and balanced, inclusive development.

Strategies to increase women’s participation

Addressing these barriers requires a multi-faceted approach:

Strengthening education and training

Investment in girls’ education and vocational programs tailored to market needs is crucial. Initiatives encouraging women to enter male-dominated fields, like STEM, should also be prioritised.

Developing affordable childcare services

Accessible, affordable childcare enables women to balance professional and family responsibilities. Joint efforts by companies and governments can create flexible childcare solutions.

Awareness campaigns and cultural shifts

Public campaigns can help reshape perceptions of women’s economic roles. Engaging men as allies in promoting gender equality is essential to challenging cultural norms.

Improving financial access

Governments and financial institutions should introduce specific programs to ease women’s access to banking services, such as microloans, grants, and financial literacy initiatives.

Building inclusive workplaces

Companies should implement diversity and inclusion policies, ensuring representation at all management levels. Measures to prevent harassment and discrimination are essential to foster supportive work environments.

Conclusion

Increasing women’s workforce participation transcends social equity—it is a critical economic need for Africa. By dismantling barriers and creating an environment that supports women’s professional growth, African countries can unlock significant economic potential. Integrating women into the workforce is vital for sustainable, inclusive growth, promoting societal well-being at large.

Source: Report: Increasing women’s participation in workforce could boost Africa’s GDP – voanews.com