From 2010 to 2016, Africa was closing the gender gap faster than any region in the world. Challenges such as plunging commodity prices and the pandemic have set that progress back a generation. BCG’s Zineb Sqalli and Phillipa Osakwe-Okoye explain that domestic violence as well as unsafe public places are barriers in southern Africa. Traditional roles of women in families stand in the way of progress everywhere. Both public and private sectors must change the narrative to create inclusive work environments. Besides being the right thing to do, gender equity could boost Africa’s GDP by $300 billion a year. 

Learn More: 

Reframing the Narrative on Women’s Roles in African Societies: on.bcg.com/3UQd3Hx 

Zineb Sqalli: on.bcg.com/3wqCoO7 

Phillipa Osakwe-Okoye: on.bcg.com/3UOVhnO