A new Afrobarometer survey has revealed that while Mauritania has made progress on gender equality reforms, deep-rooted social and economic inequalities between men and women remain widespread.

The findings show that although the country has strengthened its legal and institutional framework, including constitutional protections against discrimination and the adoption of a National Gender Institutionalisation Strategy (2015–2025), everyday realities for many women remain challenging.

Mauritania has also ratified several international agreements under the United Nations, the African Union and the International Labour Organisation, while introducing gender units within ministries and a national observatory to track women’s rights. In education, reforms such as free schooling, curriculum reviews and scholarship quotas for girls have helped improve female enrolment in universities, which rose to nearly 48% in 2023.

Despite these gains, the Afrobarometer data highlights continued inequality in practice.

Women remain less active in the labour market and are more likely to be employed in informal, insecure work. Access to land and property is still limited, affecting economic independence and access to credit. The survey also points to ongoing challenges such as discrimination, harassment and barriers preventing some girls from completing their education.

One of the most striking findings is the persistence of traditional attitudes. A majority of respondents said men should have priority over women when it comes to employment, a belief that continues to shape opportunities in the workplace.

The survey further shows that many citizens believe stronger action is needed from institutions such as the police and courts to better protect women and girls from abuse and discrimination.

–ChannelAfrica–