Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Emmanuel Tornyi
Published on 2024-03-12 06:30:00
Female aspirants for the local government elections and civil society organizations are advocating for the passing of the Affirmative Action Bill into law. This article sheds light on the importance of the Bill and the reasons behind the push for its enactment.
The Affirmative Action Bill in Ghana defines Affirmative Action as measures adopted by the government, public, and private institutions to address the historical discrimination and exclusion of women. The goal is to encourage women’s participation in various sectors, in alignment with Article 17 of the Constitution.
The Bill aims to increase women’s active involvement in public life from a minimum of 40% to a parity of 50% by 2030, in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals. Despite previous efforts to bridge the gender gap in political representation, the desired outcomes have not been achieved due to a lack of commitment and political will.
Once enacted, the Affirmative Action Bill will provide relief to women and girls in Ghana, particularly in governance and leadership roles. It will also contribute to achieving gender parity and promoting equality in various sectors.
Ghana initiated the process for an Affirmative Action Law as far back as 1998 when guidelines were approved by the Cabinet. However, as of March 2024, the Bill has not been passed into law due to insufficient commitment from stakeholders.
The low commitment towards passing the Bill is attributed to the lack of clear communication about its purpose, relevance, and benefits to the country’s citizens. Efforts to educate the public on the significance of the Bill are essential for garnering support and ensuring its successful enactment.
With the recent announcement of Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as the running mate to John Mahama, discussions on the Affirmative Action Bill have gained momentum on various media platforms.
Currently, only 14.5% of Parliament members in Ghana are women, highlighting the low representation of women in decision-making positions. Additionally, 38% of companies listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange have either one female or no female board members.
Challenges facing women and girls’ empowerment in Ghana include gender disparities in education, early marriages, teenage pregnancies, and limited access to financial resources. Addressing these challenges is crucial for promoting gender equality and empowering women in the country.
Vera Abena Addo, the Programs Officer at the Center for Democratic Development (CDD) Ghana, emphasized the significance of the Affirmative Action Bill in addressing the historical marginalization of women in decision-making roles. She highlighted the exclusion of women from crucial decision-making processes and stressed the importance of their inclusion for democracy and progress.
In conclusion, the passage of the Affirmative Action Bill in Ghana is vital for promoting gender equality, increasing women’s participation in public life, and addressing historical discrimination against women. It is essential for stakeholders to rally support for the Bill and prioritize its enactment for the advancement of women’s rights in the country.
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