President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has officially assented to the Affirmative Action Gender Equity Bill 2024, following its passage in Parliament in July. The bill addresses social, cultural, economic, and political gender imbalances in Ghana, rooted in historical discrimination against women and entrenched patriarchal norms.
Announcing the news on X, Dakoa Newman, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, highlighted the Affirmative Action Gender Equity Bill’s objective to enhance women’s participation in governance and decision-making, ensuring equal opportunities for women, minorities, and other underrepresented groups in leadership roles.
In alignment with international agreements such as CEDAW and the African Charter on Human Rights, the bill establishes gender representation targets: 30% by 2026, 35% by 2028, and 50% by 2030, applicable to public office appointments and leadership positions.
Despite women constituting 51.2% of the population, they currently occupy only 13.8% of parliamentary seats and less than 30% of key leadership roles, with only 4.1% of local assembly members being women. The bill also introduces gender-responsive budgeting across all government sectors.
Political parties will be required to meet gender equality targets for nominations and leadership, with oversight from the Electoral Commission. Additionally, the bill mandates the Ministry of Education to ensure equal access for girls and eliminate barriers to their success.
Overall, this legislation marks a significant step toward achieving gender equality in Ghana, impacting vital sectors such as education, health, and employment to foster a more inclusive society.
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SOURCE: https://dew360.net
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