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Facts, Narrative and Action on Gender Equality in Modern Africa: A Sociological Approach to Priorities and Omissions

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Women and Sustainable Human Development

Part of the book series: Gender, Development and Social Change ((GDSC))

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Abstract

Africa faces deep-seated challenges related to exclusion, inequality and fragility. An intersectional gender perspective to address gender inequalities in interaction with other disparities is imperative. Both gender hierarchies and the resistance to them happen in practical scenarios and are embedded in paradigms of understanding. The analysis of available information indicates a multispeed progression towards gender equality according to regions, sectors or socio-economic characteristics of women. Evidence-based practice for the promotion of gender equality and the overall inclusion of those left behind constitute a challenge for the diversity of actors in this field. The examination of emerging trends likely to affect gender discourse and action is primordial. Identified trends are the depoliticization and technocratization of gender narratives, the emergence of identity politics and religious interpretations around gender justice, the rise of populism in global politics and the dominance of orthodox economic imaginaries in public, development and gender debates.

The views expressed in this chapter are those of the author and do not represent those of the African Development Bank.

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Correspondence to María José Moreno Ruiz .

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Moreno Ruiz, M.J. (2020). Facts, Narrative and Action on Gender Equality in Modern Africa: A Sociological Approach to Priorities and Omissions. In: Konte, M., Tirivayi, N. (eds) Women and Sustainable Human Development. Gender, Development and Social Change. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-14935-2_21

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