The First Lady institution in the countries of Africa as a phenomenon of political life

The article discusses the formation and the development of the First Ladies’ institution in Africa and their participation in political life. In the context of political liberalization, the role of the wives of heads of state has increased significantly. It is remarked that their effective activity positively affects the formation of a favorable political image of their husbands and their countries. The socio-political activity of the First Ladies is largely determined by the framework of traditional society and has a wide range from passive stay in the shadow of one’s husband to becoming a de facto co-ruler of the state. In a number of cases, they occupy political and government posts simultaneously, coming up to proclaiming their own presidential ambitions after the president’s resignation.

For many years there have been disputes in African society over the formalization of the First Lady status, primarily because of inevitable expenditures from the state budget. The formation of the First Lady institution in the countries of the continent is showing obvious dynamics but is fraught with a number of problems.

The establishing First Lady institution is gradually becoming a reality of political life in the countries of the continent. Close connection and interdependence of this process with the increasing role of women in society are also emerging.

Keywords

Africa, “First Lady” institution, image, elections, political participation, legal status, gender equality

Received

18.08.2020

Publication date

24.11.2020

Number of characters

32086

Cite

GOST	Prokopenko L. The First Lady institution in the countries of Africa as a phenomenon of political life // Asia and Africa Today – 2020. – Issue 11 C. 34-41 [Electronic resource]. URL: https://asaf-today.ru/S032150750012185-5-1 (circulation date: 25.04.2024). DOI: 10.31857/S032150750012185-5
MLA	Prokopenko, Liubov "The First Lady institution in the countries of Africa as a phenomenon of political life." Asia and Africa Today 11 (2020):34-41. DOI: 10.31857/S032150750012185-5
APA	Prokopenko L. (2020). The First Lady institution in the countries of Africa as a phenomenon of political life. Asia and Africa Today (11), pp.34-41 DOI: 10.31857/S032150750012185-5

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