Final answer:
The success of women candidates in Africa is hindered by patriarchal societal structures, limited opportunities due to traditional gender roles, negative and sparse media coverage, and long-lasting impacts of violent conflicts. These factors create a challenging environment for women seeking political success.
Step-by-step explanation:
The factors that undermine the success of women candidates in Africa are multifaceted and deeply entrenched in societal structures. A primary factor is the cultural and traditional context that lays a patriarchal framework, positioning women in subjugated roles and limiting their educational and employment opportunities. Caring for large families can impede women from obtaining the necessary education or vocational training, confining them to traditional gender roles.
Furthermore, media coverage plays a pivotal role. Historical trends show that the media has often presented women candidates as novelties rather than serious contenders. This tendency has shifted slightly in recent years, with more favorable media coverage for incumbent women candidates. However, coverage still tends to be sparse or negative, especially for minority women candidates, thus affecting their electoral viability.
Lastly, the effects of violent conflicts, such as those seen during the Congo wars, have had long-lasting impacts on women's lives, making political engagement and representation more challenging. The societal expectation for women to conform to certain norms can result in their deliberate avoidance of success in various arenas, including the political field, to gain social acceptance. Consequently, women face numerous hurdles in their paths to success in politics within Central African societies.