The interplay between good governance and improved gender and socio-economic outcomes in selected African countries

Abstract

Good governance has been identified as a key component of improved development outcomes and human well-being. The aim of the paper is to determine whether a link exists between good governance and improved gender and socio-economic outcomes for girls and women in selected African countries. The study found that government effectiveness had statistically significant and positive effects for girls and women in respect of health, education, labour, market outcomes and political representation. However, government effectiveness had no influence on child marriage and the share of the population aged 15 upwards living with HIV, which is a concern as these are major challenges confronting young women on the African continent.