“…Effectiveness of gender mainstreaming in policy (Ampaire et al, 2020; Huyer et al, 2020; Nhamo, 2014; Sweetman, 2012) and development programing (Mannell, 2012; Wendoh & Wallace, 2005) nevertheless varies. Formal law treats men and women equally in their pursuit of economic activities in only three African countries (South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Rwanda), while in some countries laws deny women the right to register a business, sign a contract, open a bank account or own or inherit property (World Bank, 2018, see also Desjardins & St‐Onge, 2009; N'Diaye, 2014; Olomola, 2013). Gaps between gender‐sensitive policy, and implementation and enforcement of that policy, have been widely reported (e.g., Atela et al, 2018; Diop et al, 2022; Singh & Belwal, 2008) and representation of women in politics and adaptation and development planning remains far from parity across Africa 3 (International IDEA, 2021).…”