Women are remarkable individuals created by God. Historically, they have been the backbone of their communities, often balancing roles as mothers, caregivers, and contributors to the family economy. Women have played crucial roles in shaping societies and driving progress, and their contributions to societal development are increasingly being recognized.
In recent years, Ghana has made significant progress in promoting gender equality and empowering women in various sectors, including politics. The inclusion of women in the government goes beyond gender equality but also an essential component of the nation’s development and progress. This article explores the importance of women in Ghana’s current government and highlights their positive impact on the country’s political landscape.
One of the primary reasons for women’s relevance in Ghana’s current government is enhancing representation and Diversity. Women make up approximately half of the population, and their perspectives and experiences are essential in shaping policies that address the needs of all citizens. By including women in decision-making processes, the government ensures that diverse viewpoints are considered, leading to more comprehensive and inclusive policies. A vivid example is Professor Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang who is now Ghana’s first female vice president. Her election is a historic milestone, breaking barriers and inspiring women and girls across the nation. As a former minister of Education and a vice-chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, she brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to inclusive governance. Also, there are 40 females in Ghana’s 9thParliament with 7 of them being ministers of state. These women bring diverse perspectives and experience to the legislative processes, ensuring the voices of women are heard in national decision-making. The presence of women in these high-ranked positions not only enhances the kept promise of inclusivity by the government but also serves as a powerful symbol of progress thereby steering up the interest of more women and girls to participate in politics and take up public service roles.
The presence of women in governance serves as a powerful symbol of gender equality and empowerment. It challenges traditional gender roles and stereotypes, inspiring young girls and women to pursue careers in politics and leadership. Moreover, female politicians often advocate for policies that promote gender equality, such as equal pay, maternity leave, and protection against gender-based violence. These policies contribute to creating a more equitable society where both men and women can thrive.
The inclusion of women in government strengthens democratic governance by promoting transparency, accountability, and responsiveness. Studies have shown that female politicians are often more collaborative and consensus-oriented, leading to more effective decision-making processes. Additionally, women in leadership positions can serve as role models, encouraging greater political participation among women and fostering a more vibrant and inclusive democracy. The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has been actively promoting women’s participation in governance through various initiatives.
Empowering women in government can also have significant economic benefits. Research has demonstrated that gender diversity in leadership positions is associated with improved organizational performance and economic growth. By leveraging the talents and skills of women, Ghana can enhance its economic competitiveness and drive innovation. Furthermore, policies that promote gender equality and women’s empowerment can lead to a more productive and resilient workforce, contributing to the nation’s long-term prosperity. An example is the Women’s Development Bank initiative by the current government. Such a gender-responsive policy can contribute to economic growth. By providing women entrepreneurs with access to capital, training, and support, the initiative empowers women to start and grow their businesses, leading to job creation, increased productivity, and economic resilience. There has long been element of discrimination with the credit constraints which depends gender disparity gap. Scholars like Abor and Biekpe identified that female owned businesses in the informal sector are relatively small and less likely to employ debt finance. This is because, the necessary collateral to qualify for debt finance is not owned in their names and females are unable to penetrate informal financial network which affect their ability to gain useful information and source of capital. The Women’s Development Bank is a good approach that will not only benefits individual women but also strengthens the broader economy by fostering a more inclusive and dynamic business environment. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has emphasized the need for gender-responsive policies to achieve sustainable development goals.
Women in government are more likely to prioritize and address issues that disproportionately affect women, such as maternal health, education, and economic empowerment. Their personal experiences and understanding of these challenges enable them to advocate for effective solutions and allocate resources where they are most needed. By focusing on women’s issues, the government can enhance the overall well-being of its citizens and promote sustainable development.
In a nutshell, the importance of women in Ghana’s current government cannot be overstated. Their inclusion enhances representation and diversity, promotes gender equality, addresses women’s issues, strengthens democratic governance, and brings economic benefits. As Ghana continues to progress towards a more inclusive and equitable society, the role of women in government will remain a critical factor in achieving sustainable development and social justice. The greater task is on these women not to fail women because their success story will be a foundation for more women involvement in government.
Article by
Hillary Esa Agbanaglo
She is a vibrant young girl pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Translation Studies at the University of Media, Arts and Communications- Institute of Languages. Here, she studies languages including English, French, and Arabic. She loves to read and research. She is a volunteer at YAFO Institute.
