Roundup: African women enjoy rights, privileges but obstacles remain

The 21st century has unleashed new opportunities for African women, thanks to the implementation of affirmative action policies and legislation to narrow gender gap in socioeconomic spheres.

Political leaders and experts who spoke to Xinhua on Sunday during the International Women's Day agreed that gender equality is no longer a mirage in Africa, as women enjoy new social and economic privileges.

They said that the African woman has for decades been caricatured in unflattering terms by cynical pundits and scholars from the developed world. Nevertheless, African women have defied entrenched stereotypes and patriarchy to reclaim their place in history.

During an interview with Xinhua, Kenyan female leaders said the 21st century ushered a new dawn for African women who are currently at the center stage of the continent's transformation.

"African women have made phenomenal strides, having acquired education, skills, economic privileges and greater awareness on their rights. As a veteran women's leader, these accomplishments are worth celebrating," remarked Senator Zipporah Kittony.

The former Chair of Kenya's umbrella body that advances women's rights said many African states have narrowed the gender gap, but challenges remained.

"Here in Kenya, gender rights are enshrined in the constitution. The President has supported female causes, like health, education and entrepreneurship," said Kittony.

She spoke to Xinhua at the finishing line of a half marathon organized by Kenya's First Lady Margaret Kenyatta to revitalize a national campaign on maternal health.

The marathon is part of Beyond Zero Campaign initiated by Margaret Kenyatta in January 2014 to boost the fight against maternal and infant deaths.

Kenyan female leaders drawn from government, industry, academia and civil society participated in the Half Marathon that aims to raise funds and equip county hospitals to enhance their response to maternal illnesses.

African women have a reason to cheer as governments and the private sector involve them as key partners to accelerate transformation.

Kittony said that many African countries have domesticated international treaties to advance women rights.

"Gender violence and discrimination is a criminal offense in many African countries. Communities are slowly discarding retrogressive practices that confined women to the margins," Kittony remarked.

Female parliamentarians shared Kittony's sentiments and said that political goodwill, progressive laws and policies were crucial to achieve gender equality.

Priscilla Nyokabi, a Lawyer and female parliamentarian, said that empowering women is an imperative to realize sustainable development in Africa.

"The contribution of African women in many fields cannot be underestimated. They are society's pillars and have soft skills that should be harnessed to catalyze progress," said Nyokabi.

Female representation in key political institutions across Africa has improved, thanks to vigorous advocacy and enforcement of laws.

Nyokabi noted that countries like Rwanda, Ghana and South Africa have a significant female representation in Parliament.

"Female leaders have been instrumental in advocating for social programs to ensure both boys and girls enjoy equal access to basic education, skills and employment," Nyokabi remarked.

Massive investments, focused leadership and public awareness are crucial to achieve gender related millennium targets across Sub-Saharan Africa this year.

Peter Mangiti, the Principal Secretary in Kenya's Ministry of Planning and Devolution, said that African women are still not out of the woods as evidenced by high maternal deaths, poverty and illiteracy.

"There are several obstacles that must be overcome to enable African women to partake a 21st windfall triggered by economic growth, social renewal and political stability," Mangiti told Xinhua.

He regretted that African women are at risk of preventable deaths caused by malaria, HIV/Aids and pregnancy related complications.

"Kenya is part of Beyond Zero Campaign to reduce maternal illnesses and fatalities to a bare minimum. The campaign is part of the national psyche, thanks to support from the highest echelons of leadership," Mangiti remarked.

Young women in many African societies have broken the glass ceiling to compete with their male counterparts for plum jobs in government and private sector.

Ann Muthoni, a self employed marketing executive noted that women have defied stereotypes to acquire education and lucrative careers.

"I am an optimist and have a firm believe the 21st century will open a flood gate of new opportunities to African women. Their perseverance and ability to innovate is beyond doubt," Muthoni told Xinhua.

The African Union summit this year put the women empowerment in the spotlight on agenda and marked the year 2015 as the "Year of Women's Empowerment." Endi