Gender Introduction

Gender mainstreaming is integral to development and inherently rooted in economic, political and social justice. The overall objective of gender equality is a society in which women and men enjoy the same opportunities, rights and obligations in all facets of life. Women, in most societies, are often reduced to the periphery of society, and unable to participate in the decision making of economic and political institutions. This consequently stunts the development of a country. Surely there is no logic in isolating women from the very things they influence?  Our focus on African women will highlight their strides in society as well as what prohibits their success and hence their nations. Several countries exist under patriarchal ideologies, creating a society in which women cannot reach their full potential, but are regulated and oppressed instead. Women have never been passive or unknowing of their sufferings; they are the only experts in their reality.

Our focus is primarily economic and, as we know, women are a powerful driver of the economy. Women constitute between 70 and 90 percent of the agricultural labour force in many sub-Saharan African countries, yet they lack autonomy, equity or equal pay. In the African artisanal mining sector, too, women comprise up to 40-50% of the work force and they are often operating in volatile regions. As such, female economic empowerment is crucial to enhancing the success of peacebuilding efforts. 

AEFJN will focus primarily on women’s land rights and economic empowerment. These are fundamental to the rights of women and humanity and ensure sustainability and promote development, which is why AEFJN deems economic factors vital to the empowerment of women.