Defence for Children International Ghana (DCI-Ghana) has climaxed this year’s celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD) with a call on government to effectively “implement the provisions in the Affirmative Action Act 2024 (Act 1121) to increase women’s representation in governance and promote gender responsive budgeting to address the numerous challenges faced by girls and women”.
The group says government should also make conscious effort to integrate gender equity into the educational curriculum from the Basic to the Tertiary level as stipulated under schedule three (3) of the Act to eliminate gender inequalities, discrimination and stereotypes against girls and young women. It must also include mentorship and leadership training into the curricula to prepare them for future political and leadership positions.
A press statement signed by Ms. Vivian Osei Boateng, the Convener of She Leads Social Movement of DCI-Ghana, celebrated the achievements of girls and women in Ghana and reflected on the progress the country has made in advancing women’s rights including the passage by Parliament of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act 2024, the election of the first female Vice President for the country and gradual penetration of women into political leadership.
The statement, however, noted that the low representation of women in leadership and decision making in Ghana is worrying with only 14.90 percent women elected as Members of Parliament (MPs) into the 9th Parliament of Ghana. “The recent appointments by the President witnessed a low representation of women with about 23.21 percent inducted into the various state offices and governing boards, which is below the 30 percent quota as clearly defined in Schedule One (1) of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act 2024 (Act 1121).
They maintained that She Leads Social Movement and other Civil Society organizations including women’s rights groups and Girls and Young Women-led organizations would continue to make conscious efforts in advocating for and promoting the rights of girls and women in Ghana through various campaigns and appealed to government to reciprocate the gesture by giving girls and women their 30 percent quota to function.
The group said it will continue to empower girls and young women to play key roles in bringing lasting change, emphasizing that “as we celebrate girls and young women achievements, the She Leads Social Movement encourages girls and young women to believe in their capacities, be more visible and assertive and speak up for themselves and others”.
The release concluded by acknowledging all the dedicated feminists, activists and gender champions who in various ways provided mentorship and coaching for girls and young women to build their assertiveness and self-esteem to be able to take up leadership roles and influence national discourse.
‘For All Women And Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment’ was the theme for the celebration, which calls for swift and decisive response to address historical and systemic barriers and biases that affect women in all spheres of life, by implementing effective strategies and intensify efforts to advance the rights of girls and young women globally, which also aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 5).
From Thomas Agbenyegah Adzey, Kumasi
