Investing in women key to bridging gender gap in African economies

Global leaders recently gathered in Rwanda for the Women Deliver Conference, highlighting the push for more women to take on strategic roles in the economy. Dr. Flavia Bustreo, a Board Member of the Botnar Foundation, emphasized the importance of investing in women to drive positive change. She pointed to Rwanda as a case study, showcasing the benefits of gender equality investments. Rwanda's achievements in reducing maternal mortality, achieving gender parity in parliament, and fostering economic growth underscore the impact of empowering women. Bustreo stressed that investing in women not only benefits individuals and families but also enhances societal and economic growth. However, she also highlighted the concerning regression in progress seen in some countries, such as a stalling in the reduction of maternal mortality rates from 2015 to 2020. This underscores the crucial role conferences like Women Deliver play in catalyzing change and fostering coalitions to drive gender equality initiatives. Africa specifically has made strides in advancing women in leadership positions, particularly in the healthcare sector. Women constitute 90% of frontline health workers in Africa but remain underrepresented in leadership roles. While women excel in delivering healthcare, their leadership potential is often untapped. Bustreo called for a shift in the narrative and greater representation of women in leadership positions, both within Africa and globally. She highlighted success stories where women leaders in healthcare, like those in Rwanda and Senegal, have made significant contributions to the sector and their communities. To address the gender imbalance in leadership, Bustreo emphasized the need for current leaders to create opportunities for women and for society to demand and uphold gender equality. She expressed optimism in the potential of young women to drive change through initiatives like the 1.8 billion campaign, which aims to empower young girls and women in various spheres, including politics and leadership. By empowering and uplifting women, and by holding leaders accountable for fostering gender equality, Bustreo believes that African economies can bridge the gender gap and unleash the full potential of women leaders.