EU CALLS FOR GREATER WOMEN’S PARTICIPATION IN LEADERSHIP

Article By: Phenyo Babusi

The European Union has called for stronger efforts to address social norms that limit women and young people’s participation in leadership and decision-making.

Speaking at the WYDE Women’s Leadership dialogue in Gaborone, France to Botswana Ambassador Valérie Baraban said women account for about 26 percent of local government representatives and 27 percent of parliamentarians across Sub-Saharan Africa.

She stressed the need for inclusive institutions, safer political spaces and stronger accountability to improve representation.

Baraban also highlighted the role of the media in challenging gender stereotypes and addressing violence against women in politics, including online abuse.