Gender research is the systematic study of differences, inequalities, and social roles related to gender. In Africa, gender research focuses on understanding and addressing gender gaps in education, agriculture, economics, health, and policy development across the continent.
Where Can I Find Gender Research in Africa?
The best sites for gender research in Africa include:
- World Bank’s Africa Gender Innovation Lab – Impact evaluations and policy research
- International Development Research Centre – Funding gender equality projects
- UN Women East and Southern Africa – Regional gender statistics and data
- African Education Research Database – Education and gender studies
- CGIAR Research Partnership – Gender in agriculture research
These organizations provide free, evidence-based research that helps policymakers, researchers, and advocates work toward gender equality.
Top Gender Research Organizations in Africa
World Bank’s Africa Gender Innovation Lab (GIL)
The Africa Gender Innovation Lab is a leading research institution for gender studies in Sub-Saharan Africa. GIL conducts impact evaluations to understand what works in closing gender gaps. The lab focuses on evidence-based policy research that governments can use to create effective programs.
GIL studies cover topics like women’s economic empowerment, education access, and gender-based violence prevention. Their research helps African countries design policies that promote gender equality.
International Development Research Centre (IDRC)
IDRC supports important gender research projects across Africa. Two major initiatives include:
GrOW – East Africa: This project studies how to improve women’s economic opportunities in East African countries. Researchers examine barriers women face in business, farming, and employment.
Gender Transformation for Africa (GT4Africa): This initiative promotes evidence-based approaches to gender equality. GT4Africa funds research that leads to practical solutions for gender challenges.
International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)
IITA conducts specialized gender research in agriculture and food systems. Their studies examine how men and women make decisions about farming within households. This research helps create agricultural programs that benefit both women and men farmers.
IITA’s gender research covers topics like land ownership, access to farming resources, and women’s roles in food production across Africa.
Essential Gender Research Databases
UN Women East and Southern Africa Gender Statistics Hub
This resource hub provides comprehensive gender data for East and Southern Africa. Users can access normative documents, research publications, and statistical data sources. The hub helps researchers find reliable information about women’s status in the region.
African Education Research Database (AERD)
AERD is a comprehensive database containing thousands of education studies from Sub-Saharan Africa. The database includes extensive gender-related research on topics like girls’ education, gender parity in schools, and women in leadership.
Researchers can search AERD for specific gender topics and download full reports.
CGIAR Gender Research Initiatives
CGIAR is a global research partnership with dedicated gender programs. The One CGIAR Gender Equality (HER+) Initiative focuses specifically on gender in agriculture and food security.
CGIAR research examines how agricultural development affects women and men differently. Their studies help create farming programs that empower women farmers.
Gallup-Porticus Africa Research Hub
This hub offers unique research on gender power dynamics across African countries. Their surveys and studies examine social attitudes, economic participation, and gender norms in various African communities.
University Gender Research Centers
Centre for Women & Gender Studies at Nelson Mandela University
Located in South Africa, this research center dedicates its work entirely to gender studies. The center conducts research on women’s rights, gender-based violence, and gender equality policies in African contexts.
Faculty members publish academic papers, policy briefs, and books on gender issues affecting African women and girls.
How to Use Gender Research Resources
For Policymakers
Gender research provides evidence for creating effective laws and programs. Policymakers should review impact evaluations from organizations like GIL to understand which interventions work best.
For Researchers and Students
Academic researchers can access databases like AERD and UN Women’s hub for literature reviews and data. These resources provide peer-reviewed studies and statistics for dissertations and papers.
For NGOs and Advocates
Non-profit organizations can use gender research to design programs and write funding proposals. Evidence-based research strengthens advocacy efforts and demonstrates the need for gender equality initiatives.
For Journalists and Media
Media professionals can cite gender research when reporting on women’s issues in Africa. Using data from reputable sources like the World Bank and UN Women adds credibility to stories.
Key Topics in African Gender Research
Gender research in Africa covers diverse topics:
- Economic Empowerment: Women’s access to jobs, business ownership, and financial services
- Education: Girls’ school enrollment, retention, and performance
- Agriculture: Women farmers’ access to land, credit, and technology
- Health: Maternal health, reproductive rights, and gender-specific diseases
- Violence Prevention: Research on gender-based violence and prevention strategies
- Political Participation: Women in leadership and government representation
- Legal Rights: Property rights, inheritance laws, and legal protections
Why Gender Research Matters in Africa
Gender research provides the evidence needed to create meaningful change. When governments and organizations use research findings, they can design programs that actually work.
Research helps identify the root causes of gender inequality. Understanding these causes allows communities to address problems effectively rather than treating symptoms.
Gender research also documents progress. By measuring changes over time, researchers show what strategies succeed in promoting equality.
Accessing Gender Research Data
Most major gender research organizations offer free access to their publications. Researchers can download reports, datasets, and policy briefs directly from organization websites.
Some resources require registration but remain free to access. University libraries often provide additional access to academic gender journals and databases.
Future of Gender Research in Africa
Gender research in Africa continues to grow. New research centers are opening across the continent. More African researchers are leading studies about their own communities.
Technology is making gender research more accessible. Online databases and digital publications allow people anywhere to access important studies.
Collaborative research between African and international institutions is increasing. These partnerships ensure research addresses real needs in African communities while maintaining high academic standards.
Conclusion
Gender research in Africa provides essential evidence for creating equality and empowering women across the continent. From agriculture to education, these research institutions and databases offer valuable insights for anyone working toward gender justice. For more resources on gender equality and to access educational materials, visit genderpedia.ng/shopwhere you can find tools to support your gender research and advocacy work.
