Undergraduate Studies

SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

International Studies Department

AFRICAN POLITICS AND GOVERNANCE

Assessment

Women in African Politics

INSTRUCTIONS: Multiple Choice. Write the letter of the correct answer on a separate sheet
of paper.

1. Gender inequality across the continent differs based on the unique historical, cultural,
colonial, and economic factors of each community. Nevertheless, when considered collectively,
this inequality remains a significant and tangible barrier, directly affecting the extent to which
women can actively engage in political processes in Africa.
A. Only the first statement is true.
B. Only the second statement is true.
C. Both statements are true.
D. Both statements are false.

2. Despite gender inequalities, in all countries, the majority of voters are female, and women
are well-represented in positions of authority and power within the state. Women have been
consistently elected to positions of head of state and government, and gender equality in
political leadership has been achieved worldwide.
A. Only the first statement is true.
B. Only the second statement is true.
C. Both statements are true.
D. Both statements are false.

3. Rwanda is an anomaly in terms of gender representation, with over 60% of parliamentarians

being women. What does this statement indicate?
A. The Rwandan government has implemented policies and measures to promote
women's participation in politics, contributing to this significant representation.
B. Rwanda's commitment to gender equality and women's empowerment has been
largely ignored by the international community, receiving little recognition or
praise.
C. The significant representation of women in Rwandan politics is purely coincidental
and not related to any deliberate efforts to break traditional gender norms or
promote women's leadership roles.
D. Rwandan women's representation in politics is lower than in many other countries,
and gender equality initiatives have not been successful in increasing their
participation.

4. The lack of full integration of women into national economies in Africa results in a high
economic cost, estimated to be around $95 billion annually in sub-Saharan Africa between 2010
and 2014. What does this statement indicate?
A. The cost of women's lack of integration into national economies in sub-Saharan
Africa is negligible, and it does not amount to approximately $95 billion per year
from 2010 to 2014.

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holders. The publisher and authors do not represent nor claim ownership over them. Sincerest appreciation to those who have
made significant contribution to these test items.
 Undergraduate Studies
SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
International Studies Department

B. The absence of women's full participation in the economy leads to an economic

cost.
C. The absence of women's integration into the national economies has no impact on
economic growth and development in sub-Saharan Africa.
D. Empowering women and promoting gender equality do not lead to any significant
economic benefits for sub-Saharan Africa.

5. Gender inequality did not universally favor men in pre-colonial African societies. How?
A. Traditional healers in pre-colonial Africa were exclusively men, and women had no
role in healing practices or religious functions.
B. In pre-colonial African societies, gender roles and norms were rigidly fixed,
resulting in a clear and unwavering power hierarchy between men and women.
C. Women in certain indigenous structures enjoyed autonomy in organizing their
public affairs and had access to power without undue interference from men.
D. Pre-colonial Africa had wide discrimination against men.

6. How did European colonialism caused damaging influence on gender relations in Africa?
A. Colonialism promoted gender equality and empowered women in African societies,
challenging traditional roles and status.
B. Economic systems brought by colonial powers equally benefited men and women,
providing them with equal access to resources and opportunities.
C. Indigenous gendered patterns in Africa were not affected by colonial practices, and
female farming systems continued to thrive alongside men's engagement in cash
crops and economic activities.
D. Colonial legal systems further marginalized women by privileging men's rights to
land ownership and decision-making, pushing women away from political processes
and decision-making roles.

7. Which of the following statements is FALSE?

A. Women's organizations in contemporary Africa have proliferated, showing a wide
divergence in terms of nature and effectiveness.
B. The rise of the Internet has had little impact on women's mobilization in Africa,
and it has not facilitated the formation of coalition and advocacy networks or cross-
continental connections for women's activism.
C. Some women's groups focus on defending traditional female family roles, while
others challenge patriarchal attitudes and question political, economic, and social
structures that perpetuate male domination.
D. African women have formed various associations and networks, mobilizing around
issues like sexual health, property rights, HIV/AIDS prevention, small-scale trading,
and agriculture.

8. The first African country to elect a female president in 2006 was?

A. South Africa
B. Liberia
C. Libya
D. Cameroon

FAIR USE AND CONTENT DISCLAIMER This Assessment Tool is for educational purposes only. Borrowed materials (i.e.,songs,
stories, poems, pictures, photos, brand names, trademark, etc.) include in these items are owned by their respective copyright
holders. The publisher and authors do not represent nor claim ownership over them. Sincerest appreciation to those who have
made significant contribution to these test items.
 Undergraduate Studies
SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
International Studies Department

9. Women in post-conflict societies are more visible in?

A. Commerce
B. Civil Society
C. Academia
D. All of these aforementioned

10. During peace negotiations in post-conflict states, gender issues are often incorporated into
peace agreements, leading to greater space for female participation and the possibility of
quotas for women candidates in elections. Which of the following peace negotiations in Africa
does NOT endorse gender related issues?
A. Juba Peace Talks
B. Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement for Burundi
C. Day of the African Child
D. 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement of Sudan

FAIR USE AND CONTENT DISCLAIMER This Assessment Tool is for educational purposes only. Borrowed materials (i.e.,songs,
stories, poems, pictures, photos, brand names, trademark, etc.) include in these items are owned by their respective copyright
holders. The publisher and authors do not represent nor claim ownership over them. Sincerest appreciation to those who have
made significant contribution to these test items.
 Undergraduate Studies
SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
International Studies Department

ANSWER KEY
1. C
2. D
3. A
4. B
5. C
6. D
7. B
8. B
9. D
10. C

FAIR USE AND CONTENT DISCLAIMER This Assessment Tool is for educational purposes only. Borrowed materials (i.e.,songs,
stories, poems, pictures, photos, brand names, trademark, etc.) include in these items are owned by their respective copyright
holders. The publisher and authors do not represent nor claim ownership over them. Sincerest appreciation to those who have
made significant contribution to these test items.