Public support for women’s rights is strengthening across Africa, according to a new survey by Afrobarometer, but significant gaps remain between public attitudes and the realities women face in economic participation, healthcare access and personal safety.
Drawing on nearly 51,000 interviews conducted across 38 African countries in 2024 and 2025, the survey offers one of the continent’s most comprehensive assessments of attitudes towards gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Public opinion increasingly supports women’s autonomy
The latest Afrobarometer findings reveal strong backing for women’s ability to make independent decisions about marriage, family planning and broader life choices.
Across the continent, majorities support a woman’s right to decide whether and when to marry, as well as how many children she wishes to have. The findings suggest that legal and policy advances on gender equality are increasingly being reinforced by public opinion.
Yet significant disparities remain when it comes to economic power and decision-making within households.
On average, only 36% of women report making household financial decisions independently, compared with 44% of men. The gap highlights the persistence of social and cultural norms that continue to influence economic behaviour despite formal legal protections.
The labour market presents a similar picture. While 57% of respondents support equal employment rights for women and men, 38% still believe men should receive priority when jobs are scarce.
Nearly one-quarter of respondents say women are frequently prevented from taking paid employment by husbands or family members. For businesses and investors, these restrictions represent lost economic potential and a constraint on labour-force participation.
The survey also highlights continuing healthcare challenges. Two-thirds of women reported that they or a family member had gone without needed medicines or medical treatment at least once during the previous year. Rural communities were particularly affected, pointing to ongoing gaps in healthcare delivery and affordability.
Safety and institutional protection remain major concerns
The strongest concerns emerge around safety, discrimination and access to justice.
More than one in four respondents believe schoolgirls frequently face discrimination, harassment or pressure for sexual favours from teachers. A similar proportion report that women often experience sexual harassment in public spaces such as streets, markets and public transport systems.
While attitudes towards reporting abuse appear to be improving, confidence in institutions remains weaker.
Around 65% of respondents believe women and girls who report harassment or discrimination are likely to be believed. However, 78% say police and judicial systems need to do more to protect women and girls from abuse and discrimination.
For policymakers, the findings suggest that public opinion is increasingly aligned with stronger enforcement of gender-protection measures. For investors, the issue extends beyond social policy.
Weak protections can reduce labour participation, discourage entrepreneurship and increase reputational risks for employers. Conversely, improvements in workplace safety, public transport security and access to justice can strengthen productivity and support long-term human capital development.
What it means for investors
The survey points to an important trend: public opinion across much of Africa now supports greater gender equality, even if institutional and economic barriers remain.
This creates opportunities across sectors including healthcare, education, financial inclusion, public transport, digital services and workforce development.
Investments that improve women’s access to healthcare, employment, financial services and safe public spaces are increasingly aligned with both social expectations and economic development priorities.
For governments and businesses alike, the message is clear. Public support for women’s rights is no longer the primary constraint. The challenge now lies in translating that support into stronger institutions, safer environments and greater economic participation.
As regulators, consumers and workers place greater emphasis on inclusion and equal opportunity, companies that align with these expectations are likely to be better positioned for long-term growth across African markets.
