PMI Canvasses Women Equality, Empowerment

Mary Nnah

George Asamani, Managing Director of the Project Management Institute in Sub-Saharan Africa, has emphasised that economies that limit women’s contributions are unable to realise their full potential. Conversely, an economy can achieve its maximum dynamism when all citizens, regardless of gender, are empowered to contribute equally. Asamani made these remarks while recently speaking on why women should receive the same recognition as men in project management from companies and government agencies.

Asamani cited the saying, “The one who carries the firewood feels the weight the most.” The proverb reflects the gender disparity in Nigeria and continues to dim women’s prospects, denying them opportunities to fully participate in the economy. According to the World Bank’s Women, Business, and Law 2023 report, which surveys approximately 190 economies, only 14 of these economies are gender equal. The remaining countries have room for improvement, and at the current rate of reform, will require approximately 50 years to catch up.

In project management, male project managers outnumber their female counterparts by 3:1, according to recent research conducted by the Project Management Institute. The International Labour Organization reports that the global labour force participation rate for women is just under 47%, compared with 72% for men. The gender gap in employment is even more stark in project management.

According to a recent salary survey conducted by PMI, female project managers earn less than their male counterparts in every country surveyed, despite the pay gap in most countries being lower than the global average for female project managers. Asamani believes that women’s lives in Africa are often complex projects, requiring them to manage and balance multiple responsibilities, roles, and expectations. Project management skills, such as risk management, stakeholder communication, and resource allocation, are directly translatable to managing finances, negotiating workplace dynamics, and advocating for social change.

Asamani noted, “Investing in skilling women is not just an act of empowerment; it’s a strategic necessity for the continent. Ghanaian James Kwegyir Aggrey demonstrated this foresight over a century ago: ‘The surest way to keep people down is to educate the men and neglect the women. If you educate a man, you educate an individual, but if you educate a woman, you educate a whole nation.’ Skilling women catalyses a multiplier effect that benefits everyone. Educated and skilled women are more likely to invest in their families and communities, improving health, education, and economic outcomes. They can challenge and change discriminatory practices and policies, paving the way for more inclusion.”
Asamani advises that governments and organizations prioritize the development of these competencies to achieve gender equality and harness the full potential of 50% of the world’s population. The journey of mastering project management skills encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability, qualities that are invaluable in both personal and professional contexts. In the current era, where the call to action could not be more direct, the spotlight turns not just on women’s economic and social empowerment but also on how instrumental skills, such as project management, can accelerate progress.