Countries in Africa have made impressive progress on a number of fronts relating to women's empowerment and gender equality.

For instance, the number of elected women has increased dramatically over the last ten years. Maternal deaths in child birth have plummeted. There are more girls in primary school than ever before. The proportion of women who own land has doubled.

Despite the above achievements, structural barriers continue to constrain women’s potential to drive Africa’s economic growth, peace and sustainable development. Violence against women continues to be a serious crime, only 20 percent of women are ministers, access to employment is still limited.

This document paints an overall picture of women's empowerment in Africa and illustrates UNDP's role in helping the region move forward.