Swaziland near bottom in Africa for gender equality in the economy

Swaziland (eSwatini) came third from bottom in sub-Saharan Africa in a global survey of women in the economy.

The report called Women, Business and Law 2021 was published by the World Bank.

According to the report it ‘identifies the laws and regulations that restrict women’s economic opportunity in 190 economies. From the basics of movement in the community to

the challenges of working, parenting, and retiring, the data offer objective, measurable benchmarks for global progress toward gender equality. They also emphasize the policy actions that could be taken to improve economic opportunity for women.’

In the survey Swaziland scored a total of 46.3 out of a hundred and was placed third from bottom in a list of 46 countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

The kingdom, ruled by King Mswtati III as an absolute monarch, scored zero points in the entrepreneurship indicator which explores the differences between men and women in that area. 

In other indictors the Swazi score was: mobility (100); workplace (25); pay (50); marriage (40); parenthood (20); assets (60) and pension (75).

The report stated, ‘Gender equality is a fundamental human right. More important, it can boost economic growth and improve development outcomes. There has never been a more important time to ensure women’s economic empowerment. As economies adapt to difficult circumstances, the World Bank Group will continue striving to improve conditions for their most vulnerable populations. By recognizing barriers to success and highlighting solutions, Women, Business and the Law 2021 is an important tool in that effort.’

See also

Swaziland Gender Links launches women in local economic development network

https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/2020/10/swaziland-gender-links-launches-women.html