This overview paper deals with issues of women’s representation and political participation in Africa. It sketches the kinds of strategies that have been advanced in African countries and examines the practical strategies that have been used by women’s movements to increase women’s participation in decision-making. The paper lays out the key international and regional instruments that have been developed to push national governments into recognising women’s political rights. The authors identify the key issues that confront gender activists and national governments as they seek to domesticate and implement the commitments to increasing women’s participation in decision-making. The meeting was held in Arusha (Tanzania), 6 – 8 December 2005
