South Africa's journey towards gender equality in political leadership could stretch until 2100, highlighting the urgent need for stronger political commitment and effective measures to protect and advance women's representation.
Progress towards gender equality in political leadership is moving so slowly that full parity may not be achieved until the end of the century.
The warning came from Gender Links Gender and Governance Associate Susan Tolmay during a discussion on women's political representation ahead of South Africa's 2026 local government elections.
Tolmay said that while South Africa remains one of Africa's stronger performers in women's political representation, gains made over the past three decades are increasingly fragile.
"We are moving backwards, but we're not the only ones. This is a trend across the world and across Africa," she said.
