Gender and Power Dynamics in African Political Transitions: A Qualitative Study of Guinea

Gender has emerged as a critical factor in political transitions across Africa, influencing power dynamics and governance outcomes. Guinea’s recent political transition following a coup in provides an opportune case study to explore these dynamics. Qualitative methods were employed, including semi-structured interviews with key political figures, focus group discussions with civil society representatives, and document analysis of legislative records. Data triangulation was used for robust interpretation. The study identified a significant underrepresentation of women in leadership roles during the transition period, accounting for only 15% of high-level government positions held by female officials, highlighting gender disparities in power distribution. This research underscores the importance of integrating gender considerations into political and social policy frameworks to promote inclusive governance. Future studies should explore inter-generational impacts on leadership succession patterns. Policy recommendations include increasing women’s participation in decision-making processes, implementing quotas for female representation, and fostering a more comprehensive understanding of gender dynamics within transitional contexts.