Survey Finds African Support for Women's Decision-Making Autonomy

A survey conducted across 38 African countries found that majorities support women's autonomy in decisions about marriage and childbearing. On average, 75% of respondents backed women's autonomy in marriage decisions and 62% supported women's control over reproductive choices. Women were less likely than men to report making household financial decisions themselves.

Equality in Employment A majority of 57% endorsed women's equal rights to jobs. More than one-third said men should have priority for scarce positions. Employer preference for hiring men and lack of education or skills were the barriers most often cited.

Nearly one-quarter of respondents said women are often or always prevented from taking employment by husbands or families. More than one in four said schoolgirls often or always face discrimination or harassment from teachers.

About two-thirds of respondents said women and girls who complain about discrimination or harassment are likely to be believed. More than three-fourths said police and courts should do more to protect women and girls. Two-thirds of women said they or a family member went without medicines or medical treatment at least once in the preceding year.

Rural women were more likely to report going without medical care than urban women.