Across Southern Africa, women’s leadership varies widely, with some countries making strides in political representation and others in business and economic participation.

Representation of women in government varies, with some countries reaching the Southern African Development Community (SADC) goal of 50–50 representation of men and women in political and decision making positions while others lag. As of 2024, Namibia reached 50 percent of representatives in the lower house of Parliament identifying as women, while Mozambique exceeded parity (55 percent) for women holding ministerial or equivalent positions.

Increased focus has been placed on women’s economic empowerment regionally. The African Union Assembly has declared 2020–2030 as the Decade on Financial and Economic Inclusion for African Women, with leaders throughout the continent committing to gender inclusive development nationally, regionally, and continentally.