Women represent more than half the population in Africa, yet they continue to enjoy fewer rights than men. Being a woman anywhere in the world can
be hard. Being a woman in Africa can be particularly hard because of gender, race and class disadvantage.
While changes have been made, including more women in politics, there are still many challenges. Continuing to make changes is important because women in Africa deserve the same
rights as men and all people in the world.
AFRICAN WOMEN AND RELATIONSHIPS
Many women in Africa are taught that their main responsibility is to find a
husband, remain loyal to him and have his children. They are taught that it is
only in a relationship that they and their children will be happy. Relationships can be very rewarding for
women in Africa. However, they may also be unequal and hurtful.
This is because, unlike women, men are not always taught to be respectful and
loyal. This can lead men to cheat on their partners and be violent. It can also mean that fathers are absent or unkind. Women are then left with a heavier burden of childcare and domestic
work. Also, by telling a woman that she is only valued for her relationship, she may be stopped from having other good life experiences. This includes more education and work experience.
AFRICAN WOMEN AND ACCESS
TO EDUCATION AND WORK
Women in Africa have an equal right to education and work as men, because they are also very good at learning and being successful. However, women
in Africa have less access to education and are often educated less than men.
This effects their chances of improving their finances or living a successful life. Women in Africa also have an unequal burden of work and they are often paid less than men. They are limited in the types of jobs they can have, with less opportunity to work in trade, industry
and government than men. Women are also less likely to own land and property than men. This inequality
can mean that women feel like they must depend on men, even if they are
treated badly by them.
AFRICAN WOMEN AND VIOLENCE
When women in Africa are taught that they should be in a relationship, they are more likely to accept a disrespectful or violent partner. Violence against
women is a very big problem and is done by both strangers and partners.
This violence may be emotional, economic, social, physical and sexual. This is a cultural problem, caused
by the belief that men must be powerful over women. This violence can cause
women mental and physical pain. Women in Africa should know that they
deserve to be treated with respect, not with violence.
SOURCE: rightforeducation.org
Sign up here with your email
