Chadian women’s economic rights: a continental overview of progress and persistent hurdles

A recent comprehensive assessment of economic rights for women across Africa paints a mixed picture, revealing significant disparities in gender equality. While several nations have made considerable strides, Chad continues to face substantial challenges in this critical area.

Chad currently ranks 36th among 54 African economies, achieving a score of 51.40 out of a possible 100 points. This places the nation just behind Burundi, which sits at 35th with 52.68 points, and marginally ahead of Botswana and Nigeria, both tied at 37th place with 51.10 points. Such a standing firmly positions Chad in the latter half of the continent’s economic gender equality index.

In contrast, Mauritius leads the continent with an impressive 82.30 points. Togo has demonstrated remarkable progress, securing the second position with 79.33 points, closely followed by Côte d’Ivoire in third place with 78.25 points. Zambia and South Africa also feature prominently among the top performers. The success of these leading countries is largely attributed to proactive legislative reforms targeting women’s mobility, employment opportunities, marital rights, and entrepreneurial ventures.

Despite some advancements, Chad’s score of 51.40 points remains below both the African and global averages, which hover around 67 points. A notable positive development for Chad is the improved security environment, stemming from the enactment of legislation specifically addressing sexual harassment in public spaces.

However, numerous systemic deficiencies continue to impede Chadian women’s economic participation. These include limited access to credit, inadequate protection against workplace discrimination, insufficient parental rights, and a lack of full recognition for property and inheritance rights. These significant barriers disproportionately affect Chadian women, who constitute a majority of the active workforce, particularly within the agricultural and informal sectors.

Beyond Chad’s specific situation, the report underscores a broader continental issue: the considerable gap between the adoption of laws promoting equality and their actual implementation. Globally, only about 50% of laws designed to advance gender equality are effectively put into practice.

For Chad, this ranking serves as both a detailed diagnosis of the current landscape and a compelling call to action. Strategic reforms focusing on strengthening property rights, enhancing access to financial resources, and bolstering protection against violence are crucial steps that could significantly improve the conditions for women and foster more inclusive economic growth across the nation.