Top 10 African Countries with Most Women in Parliament

The participation of women in politics serves as a key measure of gender equality and inclusive governance.

Historically, nations like New Zealand, Finland, and the United States have been at the forefront of expanding voting rights and political roles for women. 

This progression has evolved since the early 20th century, with various strategies such as gender quotas, reserved seats, and advocacy for equal representation contributing to an increase in the number of women in parliaments globally.

In Africa, remarkable progress has been made in enhancing the role of women in national legislative bodies.

Here’s an in-depth look at the top African countries where female parliamentary representation is most notable:

Rwanda 

Leading globally, Rwanda boasts 63.8% of its parliamentary seats filled by women, with 51 of its 81 seats held by females. This remarkable achievement showcases Rwanda’s global leadership in gender representation in politics.

South Africa

With 44.7% of its parliament made up of women, South Africa holds a strong position with 173 women occupying 387 seats. The country’s progressive policies continue to support a strong female presence in its governance.

Cabo Verde

Close behind is Cabo Verde, where women comprise 44.4% of the parliament, filling 32 out of 72 seats. This reflects the country’s commitment to fostering an inclusive political environment.

Ethiopia

Showcasing substantial progress, Ethiopia has 41.9% of its parliamentary seats occupied by women, with 202 out of 482 seats held by females. The nation’s efforts in promoting gender equality in politics are evident through its increased female parliamentary representation.

Senegal 

Demonstrating its dedication to gender equality, 41.2% of Senegal’s parliament consists of women, with 68 out of 165 seats. This highlights the ongoing strides towards balanced governance.

Namibia 

In Namibia, women hold 40.6% of the parliamentary seats, with 39 out of 96 seats. This significant representation illustrates the country’s forward-moving gender policies.

Mozambique

Women in Mozambique hold 39.2% of the parliamentary seats, with 98 out of 250 seats. This robust participation is a positive indicator of the country’s evolving political landscape.

Angola

Angola nearly matches Mozambique, with women occupying 39.1% of the parliamentary seats, translating to 86 out of 220 seats. This is indicative of Angola’s commitment to increasing female political involvement.

Burundi 

In Burundi, women comprise 38.2% of the parliament, holding 47 out of 123 seats. This demonstrates a progressive shift towards more inclusive governance.

Tanzania 

Rounding out the top ten, Tanzania has 37.8% of its parliamentary seats held by women, with 148 out of 392 seats. This underscores the ongoing efforts to enhance female representation in the country’s political framework.