Mohamed Ameen Dabhelia – 2018/09/04

The drive to promote women in decision-making positions continues to garner momentum around the world through a series of international conferences.

However, with the Forum on China – Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) wrapping up in Beijing, one of the stark contrasts observed is the lack of female leader’s representing African countries.

Writer and political analyst Nanjala Nyabola told Radio Islam that it seems Africa is taking a step backwards.

“It was a striking picture of the summit, first of all because it was a podium full of men and it’s very interesting to be having this in 2018 where you would have expected a major change to have happened.”

Nyabola says she hopes to see more diversity in top governmental positions on the African continent.

President Buhari in a group photograph with Chinese President Xi Jinping and African leaders attending the Forum on China-African Cooperation in Beijing, China, Monday September 3, 2018. #FOCAC #PMBinChina2018 #PMBAtFOCAC7 pic.twitter.com/befnMRhibH

— Presidency Nigeria (@NGRPresident) September 3, 2018

As late and former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan aptly put it, “when women are fully involved, the benefits are immediate – families are healthier and better fed and their income, savings and investments go up.”