NAIROBI, Kenya, March 8 – On this International Women’s Day, it is important to recognize the significant progress that Sub-Saharan Africa has made in addressing the gender imbalance in the workplace. However, there is still a long way to go.
Globally, women hold significantly fewer jobs than men, and this is particularly true in project management, where male project managers outnumber female project managers by a ratio of 3:1, according to a recent report from the Project Management Institute (PMI).
This is despite the fact that the PMI’s Talent Gap report predicts a global need for 25 million new project professionals by 2030.
The gender gap in project management is universal, with male project professionals outnumbering females in every region worldwide. However, the disparities are most significant in the Middle East and North Africa, Asia Pacific, and South Asia. Gender gaps are lowest in North America, Sub-Saharan Africa, and China.
While women have advanced in the sector over the past few decades, George Asamani, MD, Sub-Saharan Africa, PMI, encouraged more women to take advantage of the gains that stem from certifications. “While there is a glaring disparity which has immediate negative implications for project teams, 88% of project professionals say having diverse project teams increases value. Workplace gender equality is not just about inclusivity, it also has a compelling commercial imperative.”
The PMI report also found that women earn less than men and are slightly less likely to have a project management certification or degree. According to the United Nations, women earn about 20% less than men for work of equal value. For female project managers, the pay gap in most countries is below the global average but significant. According to PMI’s most recent salary survey, female project managers earn less than male project managers in every country surveyed.
Despite these challenges, data shows that the disparity in leadership roles is relatively small. Women are being provided opportunities to advance their careers and contribute at more strategic levels within organizations. This opportunity to move into leadership is a selling point that hiring managers should emphasize when seeking to recruit more women into project management roles.
Sub-Saharan Africa has made significant progress in addressing the gender imbalance in the workplace, but there is still work to be done. Organizations need to be intentional about building inclusive workplaces and providing opportunities for education and training, as well as for women to take on leadership roles. This is not just about inclusivity; it also has a compelling commercial imperative. Achieving gender balance in the sector won’t happen by accident, but with hard evidence of where the gaps are, organizations can take deliberate and strategic actions to fill them.
On this International Women’s Day, let us celebrate the progress that has been made while recognizing the challenges that still lie ahead. By working together and taking intentional action, we can build a more equitable and inclusive workplace for all.
