The European Network of Political Foundations (ENoP), together with the Hanns Seidel Stiftung (HSS), is pleased to launch the new publication Advancing Women’s Political Participation and Empowerment in Africa — a collection of articles examining the structural, political and sociocultural factors shaping women’s participation and leadership across the African continent.

Bringing together perspectives from Kenya, Madagascar and West Africa, the publication explores both the progress achieved and the persistent barriers that continue to limit women’s meaningful participation in political life. Moving beyond purely legal or institutional perspectives, the contributions highlight how informal power structures, social norms, economic dependency and political gatekeeping continue to shape women’s agency and representation.

The publication opens with an analysis by Laura Lahner, Policy Officer at the Brussels Office of the Hanns Seidel Foundation, on gender equality and development in Africa and the strategic role of EU engagement through frameworks such as the EU Gender Action Plan III (GAP III). The article reflects on why gender equality must be understood not only as a human rights objective, but also as a key condition for sustainable development, democratic resilience and inclusive governance.

The publication further includes:

• From Marginalisation to Political Contestation: Women Governors and the Gendered Politics of Impeachment in Kenya (2013–2024) by Dr. Catheline N. Bosibori, scholar and researcher on gender and political governance in Kenya
• Somatic Politics: Beyond Capacity Building Traps by Dr. Ludovic Garattini, researcher and practitioner working on political participation and experimental learning approaches in Madagascar
• Beyond Laws: What Role do Non-legislative Factors Play in the Low Level of Women’s Participation in Political Life in Africa? by Lauriane Kindji, lawyer and expert on women’s political participation and governance in West Africa

Together, the articles offer grounded and context-sensitive reflections on the realities women continue to face when engaging in political leadership and democratic participation. At the same time, they point toward the importance of locally rooted approaches that combine structural reform with cultural transformation, mentorship, collective action and long-term political engagement.

Publication Details

• Title: Advancing Women’s Political Participation and Empowerment in Africa
• Published by: European Network of Political Foundations (ENoP) & Hanns Seidel Stiftung (HSS)
• Authors: Laura Lahner, Dr. Catheline N. Bosibori, Dr. Ludovic Garattini, Lauriane Kindji
• Illustrations: Precious Narotso
• Editors: Alessia Gonfroid, Raquel Bañón
• Funding: German Federal Foreign Office