Gabon survey finds 80% support gender equality
Despite widespread approval for equal rights, women face workplace discrimination and fewer resources for community development.
Nearly 80% of Gabonese people support gender equality in rights, opportunities, and political participation, according to Afrobarometer Round 11 survey results presented on November 6 in Libreville. The study, implemented by the University Omar Bongo's CERGEP, surveyed a representative sample of the adult population.
While citizens back legal intervention for equal pay, workplace discrimination and harassment persist. Women are seen as equally legitimate for elected office, yet they encounter greater difficulty accessing resources for their communities, highlighting a gap between principle and practice.
Researchers noted the need to question the notion of equality against African cultural realities, with one academic advocating for "equity" where individuals are recognized for their true worth. Civil society representatives see popular support as a call to accelerate reforms and address the disconnect between field realities and current laws.
Why it mattersGabonese women, despite broad support for equality, experience ongoing discrimination and have less access to resources for community development.