Women's role in promoting sustainable development through stakeholder engagement and environmental policy : African perspectives on the circular economy

Abstract

As African countries increasingly adopt circular economy strategies, the implications for sustainable development remain underexplored, particularly regarding gender dynamics. This study investigates the critical role that women play in promoting sustainable development through stakeholder engagement and environmental policy within the context of the circular economy in Africa. Drawing on sustainability theories, the research employs exploratory and quantitative methods to analyse a longitudinal dataset from the World Development Indicators (WDI), Gender Statistics (GS), and Adjusted Net Savings (ANS) databases, covering 11 African countries from 2016 to 2023. The pooled ordinary least squares (OLS) and system generalized method of moments (GMM) analyses reveal that women's involvement in the circular economy not only enhances sustainability but also contributes to job creation and overall economic growth. Moreover, women's engagement significantly moderates the relationship between circular economy practices and sustainability outcomes in the region. These findings offer new insights into the intersection of gender, policy, sustainability, and stakeholder engagement. They advance scholarly understanding of how women's participation in the circular economy can drive broader sustainable development goals in Africa.