Tag: Abiy Ahmed

There’s a huge amount of variation in women’s political representation across Africa, a fact shown by the Inter-Parliamentary Union and UN Women’s map of Women in Politics. They argue that it’s not entirely coincidental that many of the countries making the greatest progress in including women in politics are making far less progress in terms of democracy. There may be no guarantee it promotes democracy. For example, several recent studies show that improving the representation of women in parliament has a positive impact on the health sector. Other researchers have shown that increases in the number of women in parliament are associated with a variety of positive health outcomes. In short, if expanding the political representation of women is to have an effect anywhere, it ought to be in the health sector (and, of course, in women’s rights). In the case of research showing the link between “quota shocks” and health spending, for instance, there is a correlation – but claims about causal effects remain questionable. It will also allow international donors to help women in politics make a positive difference. With this in mind, an ongoing collaboration between the University of Birmingham and the Westminster Foundation for Democracy – supported by the Institute for Global Innovation – has started to ask some important questions about women in African parliaments. It will also help female politicians in Africa to make a difference against the odds.

"There is this condescension to a woman's candidacy," she said. Despite her best efforts, she didn't make it through the party primaries. In the lower House of Assembly, women hold 19 of the 360 seats. High fees for nomination forms have been seen as a factor, even though the APC offered a half-price discount for female prospective candidates and the PDP made applications free. 'Prehistoric times' Poor female representation in Nigerian politics stands at odds with the situation elsewhere in Africa, notably Rwanda, where more than 60% of parliamentary deputies are women. "Many of the women who have won seats to the Senate are either wives or daughters of senators or governors. "They felt because you are a woman you can't be seen as controlling men," said Akande-Adeola, who is running for a Senate seat. "The party structure gives only room for men." Despite losing out on her first try, Kato says she still wants a political career even if it is likely to be an "uphill battle. "If you believe in women candidates, you need to put your money where your mouth is," she said.

Abiy Ahmed, the prime minister of Ethiopia, has accelerated a radical reform programme that is overturning politics in the vast, strategically significant African country. Ethiopian prime minister vows to stick to reforms after explosion at rally Read more In recent days, Abiy fired the head of Ethiopia’s prison service after repeated allegations of widespread torture, and removed three opposition groups from its lists of “terrorist” organisations. “The youth [are] the active force behind the country’s growth. Now there must be a new model to make Ethiopia progress economically by creating more job opportunities for the youth while respecting political and civil rights,” said Befeqadu Hailu, a 37-year-old blogger jailed repeatedly for his pro-democracy writings. Last month, a grenade was thrown at a rally organised to showcase popular support for the reforms in Addis Ababa’s vast Meskel Square, where many among the tens of thousands supporters wore clothes displaying the new prime minister’s image and carried signs saying “one love, one Ethiopia”. To those who tried to divide us, I want to tell you that you have not succeeded,” Abiy said in an address shortly after the attack. At least 30 civilians and nine police officers were arrested. Another could be a faction opposed to the effort to find peace with Eritrea. Tiruneh, said shelves of books on religion, philosophy and science filled Abiy’s office. “Sadly we have been there for 27 years and we want that to change.