President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has officially assented to the Affirmative Action Gender Equity Bill 2024, which was enacted by Parliament in July of this year.
The measure endeavors to rectify the social, cultural, economic, and political gender imbalances in the nation, which are the result of historical discrimination against women and the persistence of patriarchal socio-cultural systems and norms.
It also endeavors to guarantee gender equality in both the public and private sectors.
This announcement was made by Dakoa Newman, the Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, in an X post on Thursday.
Context
The Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Bill, which was initially introduced in Parliament in 2016, is designed to increase the presence of women in Ghana’s governance and decision-making processes.
It ensures that women, minorities, and other underrepresented groups have equal opportunities in leadership at all levels, thereby promoting diversity.
The law establishes gender representation objectives in accordance with international agreements such as the African Charter on Human Rights and the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW): 30% by 2026, 35% by 2028, and 50% by 2030. Appointments to public offices, governance, and leadership positions will be subject to these quotas.
At present, women constitute 51.2% of the population; however, they occupy only 13.8% of parliamentary seats and less than 30% of key leadership positions. Women constitute only 4.1% of assembly members in local elections. Additionally, the measure will implement gender-responsive budgeting in all government sectors.
The Electoral Commission will supervise political parties’ compliance with progressive gender equality objectives in nominations and leadership.
The measure also emphasizes the importance of gender balance in education, requiring the Ministry of Education to eliminate obstacles to the success of girls and guarantee equal access.
The bill is a critical step in the direction of attaining gender equality in Ghana, as it encompasses sectors such as education, health, and employment, thereby fostering a more inclusive society.
