Senegal’s incremental approach to women’s political inclusion

In Senegal, the 2010 gender parity law mandates balanced gender representation on electoral lists for multiple election types. This policy has successfully increased women’s presence in the National Assembly and local councils, though it does not extend to cabinet appointments. Ministerial positions remain at the discretion of the president, who selects candidates based on the prime minister’s proposals. Consequently, women’s representation in government fluctuates with political decisions rather than being guaranteed by law.

Chad’s bold strides toward gender equality in governance

Chad took a decisive step in 2018 by adopting a landmark ordinance that enforces gender parity not only in elected offices but also in appointed roles. The 2021 implementing decree explicitly aims to ensure “equal access for women and men to decision-making positions in both elective and appointive functions.” Under this law, a minimum 30% quota applies to appointed roles, including the government, major institutions, and central and local administrations.

Elective positions: boosting female representation

Mandatory mechanisms have also been introduced to encourage women’s participation in electoral lists as part of recent reforms for elective roles. These efforts yielded tangible results: following the 2024-2025 elections, women accounted for 34% of the National Assembly, with 64 female deputies out of 188 total seats.

Appointed roles: cabinet reshuffle reflects progress

As of April 1, 2026, Chad’s government comprises 37 members, including 12 women—approximately 32% representation. This cabinet reshuffle underscores the country’s commitment to advancing gender balance in leadership.

Challenges on the road to full equality

Despite these advancements, significant obstacles persist. Women remain underrepresented in key decision-making roles, and entrenched social, economic, and cultural barriers continue to limit their political participation. Achieving true gender parity will require sustained effort to dismantle these systemic challenges.