Policies can change lives and shape the systems that govern everything from healthcare and education to safety and economic opportunity. For women, policies pushing for equality and empowerment can make a huge difference in their growth and personal development. In many African countries, governments have begun to recognise the importance of supporting women, and in recent years, they have implemented policies that help women succeed. These policies address things from gender-based violence and access to education to healthcare and economic empowerment.
This list will examine gender-inclusive policies formulated over the past five years that fight for gender equality and create a better future for women across the continent.
1 # African Union – Strategy for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (2018)
In February 2018, the African Union (AU) introduced its Strategy for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment—this blueprint aimed at improving the lives of women and girls across Africa. The AU created the policy to break down the barriers holding women back from fully participating in economic, political, and social life while ensuring equal opportunities in all areas of governance and development.
Tied closely to the AU’s Agenda 2063, which envisions an Africa where gender equality is a reality, the strategy prioritises giving women and girls equal access to resources, decision-making, education, health, and economic opportunities. It also calls on national governments to craft gender-responsive policies and dedicate the necessary resources to empower women at every level.
Since its launch, the strategy has guided AU member states in creating policies and programs to address women’s unique needs. It has also promoted regional collaboration and encouraged countries to share best practices to speed up progress.
2# South Africa – National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF-NSP) (2020)
The GBVF-NSP was launched in 2020 to tackle the growing issue of gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa. The government launched this plan in response to the country’s alarming rates of gender-based violence and femicide. It was designed to tackle these issues head-on by offering a multi-layered approach that includes prevention, victim support, justice reforms, and economic empowerment for survivors.
This policy has given many women in South Africa hope as gender-based violence, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, has been a persistent issue in the country. The GBVF-NSP aims to create a safer environment by implementing measures that help prevent violence and provide essential support services for victims. These services include shelters, counselling, and legal assistance for women who have survived abuse.
In addition to protecting and supporting victims, the plan also focuses on holding perpetrators accountable. Legal reforms and improved justice systems ensure that survivors have a better chance of seeing justice served. Furthermore, the plan addresses the economic empowerment of survivors, helping them rebuild their lives by providing access to jobs, training, and financial resources.
The GBVF-NSP is still being implemented, with ongoing adjustments to improve its effectiveness. The government continues to fine-tune the plan to ensure that it addresses immediate needs and creates lasting change in how society treats and protects women. With this, women can live free from violence and fear.
3# Sierra Leone – Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act (2022)
Enacted in 2022, the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act mandates that 30% of public sector leadership positions be filled by women while also promoting women’s economic empowerment. The government designed this law to ensure women play a more prominent role in the country’s leadership and decision-making processes. One of its groundbreaking provisions is that women must fill at least 30% of public sector leadership positions.
This law is a game-changer for women in Sierra Leone. It not only opens doors for women to hold higher positions in government but also encourages their participation in other sectors, such as business and education.
Apart from leadership, the act also strengthens women’s legal protections, ensuring they are safe from violence and discrimination at work and in other areas of life. This policy is actively enforced and has been crucial in improving the representation of women in governance. Today, more women are participating in leadership roles and making important decisions that impact the country. The GEWE Act continues to help push Sierra Leone closer to a more equitable society where men and women have the same opportunities to lead and succeed.
4# Zambia – Free Education Policy (2022)
Introduced in January 2022, Zambia’s Free Education Policy covers primary and secondary education for all children, focusing on increasing enrollment rates for girls. This policy aimed to provide free primary and secondary education to all children, with a special emphasis on increasing the enrollment of girls in schools. The initiative was designed to remove financial barriers that previously kept many girls from pursuing an education.
Before the policy, many families, especially in rural areas, struggled to pay school fees, making it difficult for girls to attend school. The free education removes these financial obstacles, giving every child, regardless of gender, a chance to learn and grow.
The Free Education Policy has already shown significant results. More girls are enrolling in schools, and the gender gap in education is steadily narrowing in the country. As more young women finish their schooling, they have the knowledge and skills to pursue careers, start businesses, and contribute to Zambia’s economy.
5# Abia State, Nigeria – Women’s Inheritance Rights Law (2022)
In 2022, Abia State passed a law ensuring women have equal inheritance rights regardless of marital status. This legislation aligns with the Supreme Court’s 2014 ruling in Ukeje v. Ukeje, which declared it unconstitutional to deny women inheritance rights under Igbo customary law.
The law titled, The Female Persons Right of Inheritance of Property Law 2022, was passed by the Abia House of Assembly on 16 November. The Speaker of the assembly, Chinedu Orji, sponsored the bill. The law explicitly protects women’s rights to inherit property from their families, promoting equality and financial security. Before this law, many women in Abia faced discrimination when claiming family property because this practice, rooted in traditional customs, favoured only male heirs.
This policy is celebrated as a step toward achieving gender equity in Nigeria. It empowers women economically and socially and ensures that women in Abia can exercise their legal rights without fear of societal backlash.
6# Ghana – Affirmative Action Gender Bill (2024)
In July 2024, Ghana took a big step toward gender equality by introducing the Affirmative Action Gender Bill. This legislation is designed to close the gender gap in leadership roles and give women equal opportunities across public and private sectors.
The bill sets specific targets to ensure more women are included in decision-making positions, particularly in government appointments and elected offices. It addresses the chronic underrepresentation of women in these areas so the country can boost women’s participation in governance and, in turn, drive social and economic progress.
It is a considerable move for Ghana, where women-despite making up a large share of the population—have historically been underrepresented in political leadership. The bill could transform sectors like politics, business, and public administration if fully implemented. With this, women’s voices will be heard and influence meaningful change.
