Gender parity in Africa: progress in Senegal and Chad

Since the early 2000s, African nations have been implementing legislation to promote gender parity or establish quotas for women’s representation in political institutions. These initiatives reflect a growing recognition of the importance of women’s participation in shaping public policy across the continent.

Senegal’s gender parity law: a step forward with limitations

In Senegal, the 2010 gender parity law mandates an alternating gender sequence on electoral lists for multiple election types. This legal framework has significantly boosted women’s representation in the National Assembly and local councils. However, the law does not extend to government appointments, which remain at the discretion of the President, following the Prime Minister’s proposals. As a result, female representation in the cabinet depends entirely on political will.

Chad’s bold strides toward balanced representation

Chad has taken a more comprehensive approach with a 2018 ordinance establishing gender parity in both elective and appointive roles. The 2021 enforcement decree explicitly requires “equal access for women and men to decision-making positions in elective and appointive functions.” The law sets a minimum 30% quota for women in appointive roles, including government, major institutions, and central and territorial administrations.

Recent electoral reforms have also introduced mandatory mechanisms to boost women’s presence on electoral lists. These efforts have yielded tangible results: following the 2024–2025 elections, women now hold 34% of seats in the National Assembly—64 out of 188 deputies. As of April 1, 2026, the reshuffled Chadian government includes 12 women among its 37 members (ministers, deputy ministers, and secretaries of state), representing approximately 32% female representation.

The Chadian authorities are committed to further progress, aiming for a more balanced gender representation in leadership roles. Yet, despite these advancements, true equality remains elusive. Women continue to face persistent social, economic, and cultural barriers that hinder their full participation in political life.