Mauritania
Population
- Total Population: Approximately 4.9 million (as of 2024, UN estimate)
- Gender Distribution: 50.2% female, 49.8% male
- Youth Population: Over 58% under the age of 25
Urban vs Rural Distribution: 57% urban, 43% rural
Economic Landscape
- GDP: $10 billion (2023 estimate, IMF)
- Key Industries: Mining (iron ore), Fisheries, Agriculture (livestock)
- Women in Workforce: Approximately 35%, mostly in informal and pastoral sectors
- Gender Pay Gap: Women earn 32% less than men in formal employment
- Challenges: Slavery legacies, desertification, limited job opportunities for women
Political Landscape
Women’s Representation in Leadership:
Parliament: 20% (National Assembly)
Local Government Leadership: Around 15% of municipal councilors are women
Challenges: Authoritarian tendencies, cultural resistance, weak policy implementation
Key Policies Promoting Gender Equality:
Personal Status Code (2001, under review)
National Strategy for Gender Equality (2015)
Social and Cultural Context
Gender Norms and Cultural Attitudes:
Deeply patriarchal with strong Islamic influence
Women tied to domestic and pastoral duties
Traditional Barriers:
Forced marriages and polygamy
Female genital mutilation (66% prevalence, UNICEF)
Restricted education access for girls
Gender Index Rankings
Global Gender Gap Index (2023): Ranked 139th out of 146 countries
Human Development Index (2023): 0.540 (Medium human development)
Women’s Empowerment Index: Low literacy (43% for women), minimal political voice
Challenges Identified: Slavery remnants, high poverty (25%), gender-based violence