ABSTRACT
This chapter analyses how the state performs and engages the issue of gender. It demonstrates that in Guinea gender equality is locally understood as the promotion of women. The data illustrates that the state depicts women as the needy and vulnerable part of society. That is why the state bundles the different efforts labelled as ‘women’s concerns’ within the Ministry of Women’s and Children’s Affairs. The chapter argues that the government’s official way of handling women complies with the international discourse on gender equality and women’s promotion. In reality, however, ordinary women have difficulties accessing the different administrative units – also those of the Women’s and Children’s Affairs – which further enhances gender inequalities. The chapter demonstrates how the First Lady, Djènè Kaba Condé, presents herself as a representative of the country’s female population, even though she has little in common with ordinary Guinean women. It explains why the behaviour of the Guinean First Lady can aptly be categorised using the concept of the First Lady Syndrome described by Jibrin Ibrahim (2004) and of femocracy as defined by Amina Mama (1997).
