Women in local government in Africa: Gender, resistance, and empowerment

Abstract

While this chapter recalls how society perceives women's subordination in political positions because of gender power relations, it also presents the extent to which advocacy for gender equality attempts to deconstruct gender relations to empower women. The chapter offers an analysis of unique factors that make it possible for women to win elections into the local government administration. The discussion reveals defining opportunities for the advancement of the political status of African women and their progress toward full empowerment. It aims to provoke further debate in the broader African Studies on African women's positions and prospects within local politics.