COVID-19 and Gender Equality: Achieving SDG5 in Africa

Abstract

Achieving gender equality has been an utmost priority in the world. Particularly, in Africa, a continent drowned in patriarchy. To facilitate a quick result, the continent adopted and implemented international policies like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, with the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, questions have been raised towards the achievement of the sustainable development goal 5 ‘’achieving gender equality; and empower women and girls” come 2030. Thus, in answering this question, the study utilised a qualitative research method to gather information through secondary sources. The study highlighted that COVID-19 has deepened the existence of inequalities amongst gender, as well as reversing some of the gains of SDG5 before the arrival of COVID-19. The study emphasised the clear visibility of unjust fairness meted towards women, as well as the struggle faced by them in Africa. Going forward, the study recommended that African governments must reset their priorities and partner with grassroots NGOs to enhance appreciable progress towards SDG 5 in 2030.