Advancing Gender Equality: A Comparative Assessment of the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

• In Event: Public Policy and Human Rights in Africa and Latin America

Abstract

In the wake of global developmental efforts, policy makers have been forced to appreciate and realize the need for gender equality for sustainable development. As a universal right, gender equality is not just being promoted at the international or national level but at the regional level as well. In this regard, regional organizations have been instrumental in advancing gender equality by supporting their member States to achieve and promote gender equality through the Sustainable Development Goals, and by implementing monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.

This paper will provide a comparative assessment of the efforts made by the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in advancing gender equality. It will be divided into two main parts. The first part will provide a definition of gender equality suitable to the purpose of this paper, explore the patriarchal elements in the societies of both regions, and provide an overview of both regional organizations. The second part will discuss the regional integration efforts employed by both organizations in advancing gender equality, by analyzing their policies and programs in political, economic and social spheres, highlight some of the challenges they face and make recommendations for improvement in fostering gender equality in both regions.

Author

• Joseline B Cudjoe, Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA)