CHRDA rounded up with activities commemorating the 30^th edition of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence (GBV) with an educative talk with level 300 students of the Gender Department of the University of Buea, today 10^th December which also doubles as Human Rights Day. The 2021 edition of the Human Rights day is celebrated under the theme: “Equality-Reducing inequalities, advancing human rights”.

Focus of the discussion was on reducing inequalities for women in leadership. In a very interactive session with the students, the CHRDA team discussed some barriers women face in leadership and how women can break these barriers to take up leadership roles. These barriers were discussed under four types namely:

Structural barriers which include lack of access to important informal networks such as sporting events or simple after-work drinks. Often, men assume that women don’t want to take part in these types of events, so they don’t invite them. As a way forward, we must be more inclusive with our networks and social events. Men need to invite women and women need to invite men. We can help overcome these barrier with mentors and sponsors. Male sponsors who are in decision-making positions of authority can give women more credibility.

Institutional mindsets which include various types of gender bias and stereotyping. There is a common belief that gender differences make women and men effective in different roles. Thus women are less effective to the extent that the leader role is masculinized. And men are less effective when the role is feminized. To overcome these barriers, women and girls must proactively and consistently communicate their desires to advance, travel and take a new assignment.

Individual mindsets are thoughts and behaviors women might have that hold them back. Statistics show that the majority of women do not pursue top leadership positions for a myriad of reasons including socialization pressure, valuing work-life balance or a desire to avoid politics.

Lifestyle choices include work-life balance, family choices and breadwinner/caregiver priorities. These choices are not negative, but they are considered barriers, because they contribute to the leadership gender gap.

The students were further encouraged to muster courage from within in order to overcome these challenges. CHRDA continues to apply the SASA! Approach in fighting all forms of GBV. With SASA!, no one is left behind. We walk the entire community through the process of change.