This edited volume explores the complex dynamics of African women's political participation, focusing on the tension between numerical representation (quantity) and substantive, impactful political influence (quality). Chapters critically explore whether the growing numbers of women in these positions lead to substantive policy changes, improved governance, and the promotion of gender equity across different spheres of life. The volume looks at these issues through a multi-disciplinary lens, drawing on case studies from across the continent, different perspectives and extensive analysis of both qualitative and quantitative data.

By exploring the distinction between ‘quantity’ and ‘quality’ of political representation, the book provides insights for policymakers, scholars, activists, and civil society organisations on how to improve the effectiveness and impact of women's political participation in Africa. Furthermore, it contributes to the global discourse on gender equality and political representation, providing a comparative framework to understand how the African experience of female political engagement can inform broader conversations on women’s roles in governance and significant spaces worldwide.

Omosefe Oyekanmi is a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Johannesburg, and a research fellow at the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research, NISER, Ibadan, Nigeria.
Tinuade Adekunbi Ojo is an Associate Professor at the Department of Politics and International Relations and the Director of the Centre for the Study of Race, Gender and Class at University of Johannesburg.