Empowering women is vital for Africa's development

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Fatima Chohan, says that women throughout Africa need to be promoted to senior positions so that they can contribute to economic growth and help alleviate poverty. Image: DHA

Chohan said creating opportunities for women to participate in the economy will improve their earning potential and assist families to fight their way out of poverty.

She was addressing a women's seminar organised by the Consortium for Refugees and Migrants in South Africa (CoRMSA) in Johannesburg. August is Women's Month in South Africa

"The participation of African women in the formal economy is under-used and under-valued," she said.

Chohan expressed concern at the few women in senior management positions, which according to the latest World Bank Enterprise Survey, shows only one in 26 salaried African women hold senior positions compared with one in every six men.

Women contribute to economic growth

"Several African countries have introduced laws that implement quota systems to increase the representation of women in legislatures and government. However, in countries where no such intervention has been done, the disparity is blinding," Chohan said.

She said to capitalise on Africa's predicted growth in the coming years, African leaders need to promote women to senior positions and ensure they increase their economic participation.

She said that in order to maximise growth opportunities in Africa, both men and women need to be able to reach their full potential.

CoRMSA Executive Director Sicel'mpilo Shange-Buthane said in every society, women play a crucial role and that it is irreplaceable in society.

"Women face different challenges, they struggle to survive," she said.

CoRMSA comprises a number of different organisations, including legal practitioners, research units, and refugee and migrant communities. Its main objectives are the promotion and protection of the rights of asylum seekers, refugees and international migrants.