In Chad, a chorus of women leaders and activists has brought attention to a significant issue: the glaring scarcity of female candidates in the upcoming legislative, local, and district elections set for December 29. These elections are crucial as they signify the culmination of a transition journey from military to civilian governance. This shift kicked off when General Mahamat Idriss Deby took helm after the passing of his father, the long-serving President Idriss Deby Itno, in 2021.
Ahmed Bartchiret, the head of ANGE—Chad’s national elections authority—has openly recognized the troublingly low representation of women in the electoral landscape. Currently, women constitute less than 35% of the candidates listed by political parties, including the ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS) founded by the Deby family. “It’s evident that we need to do more to encourage women to participate in politics,” Bartchiret emphasized, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Moreover, various women’s organizations such as the Association of Indigenous Women and People, along with the Civil Society Group Against Injustice and Inequality, have chimed in with their concerns. They revealed in a recent statement that ANGE has turned away nomination applications from women candidates unable to pay the steep application fee, which hovers around $250 — a prohibitive amount for many aspiring female politicians. This financial barrier effectively sidelines potential candidates and stifles the representation of women within government.
Activists have pointed out that pervasive biases still persist within political parties. Many are hesitant to endorse female candidates, often arguing that they simply “lack the education” required to fulfill public office roles. This archaic mindset reflects a broader societal issue where women’s capabilities are underestimated. “When will we stop doubting women’s abilities?” questioned one activist during a recent forum, highlighting the need for a cultural shift in perceptions about female leadership.
Lamenting the underrepresentation of women in Chadian politics, leaders assert that true democracy cannot blossom without inclusive participation. For every woman who seeks to stand in elections, there is often a mountain of challenges, exacerbated by societal attitudes that persistently undermine their potential. Without concerted efforts to dismantle these barriers, the political scene in Chad risks remaining stagnant.
“Representation matters,” argued another female leader. “If women are excluded from the decision-making table, policies will inherently neglect the very issues that affect us.” This statement resonates strongly amidst a backdrop of ongoing discussions about gender equality and empowerment in politics globally. Chad’s experience serves as a sobering reminder of the hurdles many women face simply for daring to aspire to leadership roles.
As the elections draw near, the spotlight is on both the government and political factions to take a stand for gender parity. Encouragingly, some progress may be on the horizon, as international communities and NGOs rally support for female political participation. Nevertheless, the need for local structures to foster and propel female candidates into the limelight remains critical. “We can’t just wait for change to happen; we have to make it happen,” said an advocate for women’s rights during a rally last weekend.
In this landscape of limited female representation, it is imperative that we rethink our approaches to empowerment and inclusion. Initiatives that provide support, mentorship, and education for potential women leaders could pave the way for a more equitable future. But for that to occur, decision-makers must prioritize women’s participation and work collaboratively to dismantle the barriers that hinder their progress.
As we witness the final stages of this transitional period in Chad, the hope lingers that a new generation of women leaders will emerge—far more visible and engaged than in past elections. With united action and persistent advocacy, the dream of an inclusive political arena can become a reality. After all, as the saying goes, “A society thrives when its women are empowered.” Chad stands on the cusp of a pivotal moment, one that could redefine its political landscape for years to come.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
