Gender Inequality: Impediments to Women’s Economic Participation for Sustainable Development in Africa (Cameroon)

Abstract

This paper is a critical analysis of gender inequality and impediments to women’s economic participation for sustainable development in Africa with Cameroon as a point of focus. It was informed by a review of the literature on women and gender alongside focused group discussions and available primary data. The issue of gender inequality must be purposely checked if the pursuit of a more sustained development approach in today’s world is to be accomplished. In this regard, gender equality and women’s participation in every sphere of life are indispensable for the furtherance of sustainable development. The key questions that inform this policy paper are: Is gender inequality an impediment against sustainable development in Africa? What are the impediments against women’s economic participation for sustainable development? What is the state of Cameroonian women in the sustainable development process? Is there any National Gender Policy in Cameroon, if so, what are the key dimensions and alternative policies for sustainable development? Which international policy arrangements exist, and so far, have they been instrumental for sustainable development? What are the challenges for policy implementation and lastly, what are the policy implications for gender policy and practice? The underlying assumption of this paper is that for gender inequality and precisely women’s economic participation to thrive and contribute to sustainable development in Africa, governments and relevant stakeholders must shift from the approach of mere Women in Development (WID) to that of Gender and Development (GAD).