Africa at Work for Women

"We have many female entrepreneurs in the informal sector, the issue is enabling them. An enabling environment is key, that is the only way for the continent to absorb its educated and entrepreneurial people" - Dr Aida Opoku-Mensah from the Enrolment to Employment panel at the LSE Africa Summit 2018

According to recent research, Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest female labour participation rate compared to other regions including Europe and North America. However, looking closely at the type of jobs will reveal a less rosy picture. Employment for women in African countries is characterised by low-paid and less secure jobs, so that 74% of women make up employment in the informal sector, compared to 61% of men. 

These statistics are a simple illustration of how labour markets might not always work for all. 

Segmented work, divided workers

The labour market is expected to work like any other one where buyers and sellers meet -