Studies

Women compose a majority of members within worker associations and unions, however, leadership positions and high-ranking offices remain dominated by men. Although progress has been made over the past half century towards achieving gender equality in the fields of employment, business, political participation, and leadership, the situation of informal women workers remains harsh, and the implementation of programs targeting gender equalities and societal changes has been slow and uneven.

This report investigates the underrepresentation of informal women workers in Africa’s organizing movement, with a focus on six African countries: Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia, Rwanda, South Africa, and Tunisia. It underscores why womenare not joining organizing movements (unions and workers’ associations), and when they do, why do they continue to face discrimination and seldom reach leadership positions. 

Through examining the context of informal women workers’ participation, we can outline and understand the challenges that stymie their ability to obtain leadership positions, and what are the opportunities for overcoming these barriers.