The Southern African Development Community (SADC region) is the most stable region in the African continent. Almost all the countries in the region have instituted democratic constitutions and electoral democracy under which periodic elections are held. On the other hand, the progress of some substantive aspects of democracy have not progressed. This is in respect to the participation of citizens in general, and representation of women and youth in decision making in particular. According to the recent SADC Gender Barometer the representation of women in decision making positions had declined over the last ten years in the region. This is owing to the challenges that women and youth face at political party level. The challenges are often associated with the established customary prejudice and absence of resources and support networks.

The objective of this joint initiative between the SADC-Parliamentary Forum (SADC-PF), the German International Cooperation (GIZ) program "SADC Peace, Security & Good Governance Programme" and The GIZ African Union "Data-Cipation" program is to provide a data visualisation tool to support the work of the SADC-PF “Standing Committee on Gender Equality, Women Advancement and Youth Development” and wider stakeholders in their efforts to address the challenge of underrepresentation and marginalization of women and youth in decision making sectors, especially in the legislature. This will contribute to the efforts of the African Union and its various organs on Agenda 2063, specifically to goal 14. “Full gender equality in all spheres of life” and goal 15. “Engaged and Empowered Youth”.

SADC PF is a regional inter-parliamentary body composed of Members of Parliament from SADC Member State national parliaments, representing over 3,500 parliamentarians in the SADC Region. Established by the SADC Summit on September 8, 1997, the Forum consists of Presiding Officers, and a maximum of five representatives elected by the National Parliament of each Member State. The aim of this Forum is to provide a platform to support and improve regional integration through parliamentary involvement and promote best practices in the role of parliaments in regional integration and cooperation.

Remarks: Currently only data from 5 countries are displayed, but more will follow in the future.