By Hannah Dadzie, Ubaida Awudu and Rebecca Ampah
Getting more Women to participate in decision-making in all sectors of the economy is still a cause for concern. Only a few women are Heads of State and Government, and lead other sectors of the economy.
As the District Level Elections and the 2024 General election draw near, stakeholders believe involving more women in the decision-making process will help develop the country.
At a one-day planning meeting by the Ghana National Chapter of African Women and Leaders Network (AWLN), it was revealed that many women are not able to reach that level because of lack of confidence and financial constraints. The Network believes that a democratic country needs the equal participation of women in all its processes.
The African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) is a joint initiative of the African Union and the United Nations that works to promote women’s leadership, peace, and development on the continent.
Although Ghana is working to include more women in decision-making in all sectors of the economy, there is more to be done. Many people and organisations have advocated the need for gender inclusion in all sectors of the economy to improve productivity.
The forum deliberated on how to empower women and unleash their potential to take up leadership positions to drive change for the development of the country.
Chairperson, Steering Committee, AWLN Ghana Chapter, Dr Charity Binka, said the Network is working on how to amplify the voices of Ghanaian women.
“We’ve brought women from diverse fields to look at our plan as a continental movement to be able to engage policy makers in higher levels and how we can empower women in rural areas and amplify the voices of Ghanaian women. We can learn from the strategies other countries have adopted and look at how it can help us. AWLN isn’t going to replace any NGO or civil society organisation; we’re here to work with them and to be the bridge they can use to get to the highest level,” Dr Binka indicated.
Presidential Advisor on Gender, Office of the President, Dr Angela Asante-Essah, said although there has been improvement in women’s participation in all sectors of the economy, more needs to be done.
“I think the President himself has recognised that there is work to do in terms of women representation in government. That is why he appointed the first female Chief of Staff, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and two female Chief Justices. So, we need to acknowledge these and look at ways to increase the numbers,” Dr Asante-Essah said.
Co-chairperson, Women Caucus, Parliament of Ghana, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, said women should create opportunities for themselves to drive change.
“Inclusiveness is very important, with a smile and a nod, you can join a conversation where the interest of women is not properly represented and gently walk your way into a discussion, so that the voices of women will be heard. If we’re waiting for someone to look out for us, we’ll always be behind. I can say with authority that most women in authority positions deliver, but their efforts are not being recognized. You don’t have to wait to be invited; rather invite yourself. I picked up the wheels when I didn’t even know how clear the road was,” Mrs. Lartey said.
The Network hopes to facilitate meaningful collaboration and support to amplify the efforts of NGOs and CSOs working towards gender equality and women’s empowerment in Ghana and Africa.