Introduction

This essay will assess the veracity of the claim that without attention to gender equality any
country/nation cannot effectively ensure development. The essay will use case studies from
African countries as evidence of the veracity of the claim of the insectionality of gender and
development which include Malawi, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Mauritius as well as
Liberia. Prior to assessing the veracity of the claim the essay will firstly conceptualize the key
terms of the essay which are gender equality and development. After that the essay will then
discuss the relevance of gender equality to national development giving evidence from seven
countries.

Conceptualizing of gender equality and development

The state in which all people, regardless of gender, have equal access to resources and
opportunities, such as economic involvement and decision-making, is known as gender equality,
often referred to as sexual equality or equality of the sexes. In addition, the condition of valuing
multiple behavioral patterns, goals, and wants equally while paying little attention to orientation
(Chirongoma and Moyo, 2023) is present. Gender equality prevents violence against women and
girls as well as inflexible gender norms and stereotypes, aggressive male relationships, and
disdain for women (Tekwa, 2020). Gender equity can spur financial growth, support private and
public sector performance, and reduce pay disparity. These factors are all permanently
intertwined with macroeconomic and monetary strength (Ossome and Naidu, 2021). Today's
measures, from boosting the representation of women in leadership and decision-making to
redistributing carework and productive resources, are the first step toward a future that is
sustainable and gender-equal (Mhembwe, 2019).

On the other side, national development refers to a country's ability to enhance the standard of
living for its population. It can be done through giving individuals access to jobs, essentials, and
other necessities. Development is the process of growth, advancement, and positive change,
claims Mudimba (2020). National development, according to Ritter-Hayashi et al. (2019),
attempts to modernize all facets of a country while promoting amicable cohabitation between all
groups. Agriculture, foreign commerce, culture, economics, education, employment,
industrialization, infrastructures, politics, and health are the 10 elements of national development
(Ampaire et al., 2020). The stages that are driven by factors, investments, new ideas, and riches

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are the four separate stages that the Porter theory recommends for the development of national
competitiveness (Chikaipa, 2019).

Generally recognized as the policy document meant to direct African aims and vision, according
to Gupta (2019). According to the gender agenda in the manifesto, women shall be fully
empowered and have equal access to all opportunities in Africa in 2063. This suggests that the
African woman would enjoy comparable financial freedoms, including the right to own and
acquire property, enter into contracts, register businesses, and deal with them (Mudimba, 2020).
In this way, African leadership through the African Association is certain that including women's
support or orientation letters will help Africa improve. In order for Africa as a whole to achieve
the development goals established in 2063, gender equality must be incorporated into all facets
of society, including decision-making.

Relevenace of gender equality to national development

Women frequently confront dangerous situations because they lack support and resources. One
illustration is a natural disaster. The World Conference on Disaster Reduction in 2005 featured
expert discussion on the impact of gender disparity on fatalities and injuries. Information from
several sources indicates that women and young women are significantly more vulnerable as a
result of environmental change, which increases the danger of catastrophic catastrophes. Women
are able to play a bigger role in their personal security when an orientation point of view is
introduced into dialogues (Ossome and Naidu, 2021).

According to data, women typically receive inferior medical care. This is happening for a variety
of reasons, including lack of training and reduced pay (Lee et al,2021). Sexism in medical
research also contributes to inadequate medical care. Infections that affect women more than
men, such as chronic pain problems, aren't also investigated. They are frequently not taken
seriously by clinical professionals. When women are treated equally in the public, their welfare
will be significantly impacted. When women receive the same education and job opportunities as
men, any organisation they join can grow as a result. Studies show that variety in terms of
gender, color, sexual orientation, and other factors increases an organization's creativity and
output. Ossome and Naidu examined significant enterprises in the state that had women in key

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leadership roles in 2021. They outperformed companies where men made up the majority of the
top executives (Ossome and Naidu, 2021).

Women's influence transcends particular industries and groups of people. Studies have
demonstrated that increasing women's economic engagement is good for the economy. If female
employment rates were raised to Sweden's level, the OECD's GDP would increase by $6 trillion
(Chikaipa, 2019). The economy ultimately pays a price for gender pay discrepancies.

The legislation does not provide enough protection for women from domestic sex abuse and
economic abuse. Either of these acts of aggression jeopardize the independence and security of a
woman. By extending their legal rights, women are kept protected and given the opportunity to
lead fulfilling lives (Chikaipa, 2019). The highest levels of neediness are observed in young
children. As children get older, the poverty gap between boys and girls widens. This is largely
due to the fact that ladies typically don't work after being married, do not receive the same
educational possibilities as boys, and don't have the same career opportunities. Gender inequality
keeps women and their families mired in cycles of poverty. When women have access to better
healthcare, education, and employment opportunities, they can thrive. By focusing on gender
inequality, poverty can be alleviated in an efficient and long-lasting way. Gender equality is
linked to peace, according to study, more so than a country's GDP or degree of democracy.
States that value gender equality are less inclined to use force when necessary. When important
gender inequality concerns, such work and education, are addressed, peace is encouraged
(Mudimba, 2020).

Evidence from African countries

Chakaipa (2019) looks at Joyce Banda's tenure as Malawi's Vice President from 2009 to 2012.
She was the second woman to become president of an African nation, following Liberia's Ellen
Johnson Sirleaf. Additionally, she was the nation's first female vice president. In June 2014,
Forbes named President Banda as the 40th most influential lady on the planet and the most
influential lady in Africa. On April 7, when Banda took the oath of office as president, she had to
face significant obstacles that could end her reign. First, Banda was able to quickly reconcile
with the West, regain donor confidence in Malawi's stifling economy, and avoid being isolated
from her Southern African peers in a region where an old-boys network, anti-imperialist
solidarity, and liberation movement-turned-ruling political party camaraderie still hold sway. In

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addition, it is believed that Banda was able to maintain public support and the vote of confidence
of the parliament while simultaneously implementing some austerity measures to restore the
economy. Considering this one might contend that without thoughtfulness regarding orientation
equity any country/country can't really guarantee advancement.

Liberia

Elebute and Ocheni (2020) states that Ellen Johnson Sirleaf served as president of Liberia (2006–
18), being the first woman elected head of state of an African country. As president, she secured
millions of dollars of foreign investment and established a Truth and Reconciliation Committee
to probe corruption and heal ethnic tensions. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was awarded the Nobel Peace
Prize for her non-violent efforts to promote peace and her struggle for women's rights. She is the
first female democratically elected head of state in Africa. Johnson Sirleaf came to power in
2005, creating peace and economic progress in the country. In light of this one may argue that
without attention to gender equality any country/nation cannot effectively ensure development.

Tang et al (2019) states that Ameena Gurub Fakim who served as the first the first woman
President of Mauritius between 2015 and 2018 urged African Member States to eliminate gender
inequality and empower women to boost the continent’s development potential through
innovative policies that facilitate women’s integration in the workforce. She advocated that
eliminating gender inequality and empowering women could raise the productive potential of
one billion Africans, delivering a huge boost to the continent’s development potential. Mauritius
is now a middle-income country ambitioning to become a high-income economy, with women
representing 39 per cent of the work force. In light of this one may argue that without attention to
gender equality any country/nation cannot effectively ensure development.

Burnet (2019) under the leadership of Paul Kagame states that Rwanda, 91.7% of legal
frameworks that promote, enforce and monitor gender equality under the SDG indicator, with a
focus on violence against women, are in place. 6.8% of women aged 20–24 years old who were
married or in a union before age 18. Rwanda is the first country in the world with female
majority in parliament with 61.3% in the Chamber of Deputies. Rwanda's GDP grew by 8.4
percent in the first three quarters of 2022, after reaching 11 percent in 2021. Growth was spurred

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by the services sector, especially the revival of tourism, leading to the improvement of
employment indicators to levels similar to those at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in
early 2020. It is now considered to be the second fastest growing economies in Africa. In light of
this one may argue that without attention to gender equality any country/nation cannot
effectively ensure development.

South Africa

Thuli Madonsela is a human rights activist and campaigner, and according to Maclean (2019),
she exemplifies a leadership trait that others would do well to imitate. She has more to offer
South Africans than just her staunch opposition to government corruption. Her leadership is non-
reactive and blatantly focused. She retains her position while indicating her desire. Because of
this, she has a great deal of integrity, which boosts her reputation and moral authority in the
workplace. Instead of diminishing her message as her critics may have meant, she reinforces it
by being firm and refusing to engage in negative remarks about herself. Madonsela has a strong
leadership style, which has helped her succeed professionally and have an impact on politics.
One of the pillars of Women in Leadership is assisting other women in creating their own
distinctive presence. Given this, one could claim that any nation or country cannot effectively
ensure development without paying attention to gender equality.

Zimbabwe

Women may be strong leaders, as Justice Chigumba's position as chair of the Zimbabwe
Electoral Commission in Zimbabwe illustrates (Tekwa, 2020). As ZEC Chairperson, she is also
responsible for making sure that no violence or other electoral fraud occurs during elections or
referendums and that all eligible persons are registered to vote. She has a strong sense of social
duty and is a great supporter of honesty, justice, accountability, and character. Given this, one
could claim that any nation or country cannot effectively ensure development without paying
attention to gender equality.

Conclusion

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In summary, this essay has indicated that there is veracity to a greater extent that that without
attention to gender equality any country/nation cannot effectively ensure development. Evidence
from six African countries of female leadership points to that reality. Gender equality prevents
violence against women and girls. It's essential for economic prosperity. Societies that value
women and men as equal are safer and healthier. Gender equality is a human right.

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