As Ghana joins the rest of the world to mark International Women’s Day, the focus is on progress toward gender equality—a key Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). With the passage of the Affirmative Action Bill last year, many see this as a turning point for women’s representation and empowerment in the country. But how far has Ghana come in achieving true gender parity?
For years, Ghanaian women have fought for equal opportunities in leadership, education, and economic advancement. The passing of the Affirmative Action Bill in July last year was a major milestone, aiming to increase female representation in governance and decision-making spaces. Beyond policy, women continue to face challenges in career advancement, financial independence, and social expectations. Many believe that achieving true gender equality requires continuous investment in education, mentorship, and workplace inclusion.
Despite the history of low participation and representation of women in traditional
political institutions, Ghana has worked to improve women’s representation in decision-making since its independence. The first post-independence regime, led by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, established the National Council for Ghanaian Women in 1960 to promote female empowerment. This was to compensate and recognize the key roles women had played in the political struggle for independence.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day on the theme, “Accelerate action,” Charter House held its National Women’s Summit and Expo, the 7th edition since its inception. The Summit brings together women from all walks of life to be empowered and bond over shared goals.
Speaking in an interview with the project lead, Pam Abbey, on an ABC Special, she emphasized the need for education for the Affirmative Action Bill passed, stressing that the law is not just there for women, but everyone.
“We need education to really know what the Affirmative Action Law is. A lot of Ghanaians are having misconceptions around it, thinking that it’s a fight for women and has to be implemented for women. But we need to understand that it’s actually there for everyone,” she stated.
As government works to close the gap of gender inequality and achieve goal 5 of the sustainable development goal, the AFFIRMATIVE ACTION (GENDER EQUALITY) ACT, 2024 Objective states that, Ensure gender equality in politics, social, economic, education, and culture through progressive implementation. Again, redressing Gender Imbalance, Government is to promote policies addressing gender imbalance in the public and private sectors. President Mahama, before winning the 2024 election, promised during his campaigns to elect a number of women in his government for decision making and in his quest to achieve that promised on a 30% women representation.
“We want a Ghana, where economic empowerment is not a privilege but a right. We are to empower our women if our country is to make progress. We note the passing of the Affirmative Action Act and we intern to fully implement it when NDC comes to power. We will increase women representation in parliament, in districts assemblies and in leadership roles across all sectors by 30%,” the president promised.
But the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, speaking on the floor of parliament, assured Ghanaians of government’s commitment of 30% representation of women in leadership.
“The government is in the process of being formed, so we are watching and looking out. In any case, what has been done so far gives us hope, that the 30% target is on course. Currently, all appointments that have been made, we are around 23% so we hope we the rest of the appointments, we will hit the target,” she explained.
ABC News Gh engaged some women on some challenges women face, and the need to continue to represent and give the voice women need. They call for stricter enforcement to make the girl child more responsible in areas her potentials will help her growth in leadership skills.
“They stated that more avenues should be created for women, especially young women to explore their potential in areas where needed. They called for parents desisting from keep their daughters in the kitchen whiles giving the opportunity to the males to explore IT courses and develop their skills,” they bemoaned.
Meanwhile, on the streets, a different conversation is unfolding. In a Vox Pop survey, some men argue that International Women’s Day receives more attention than International Men’s Day, raising questions about balance in gender discourse.
“International women’s day has the spotlight across the world compared the international men’s day is because of the kind of drive we attach to the celebration. They feel it is also because of their unique nature and work that why is celebration is prioritize more. Some also feel because of the many recorded cases of some men abandoning their children all for the woman also adds up to the significance of the occasion,” they mentioned.
But advocates insist that the push for gender equality does not undermine men—it benefits society as a whole. As Ghana takes steps to close the gender gap, the journey to true equality remains ongoing. The Affirmative Action Bill provides a framework, but the real work lies in its enforcement and societal change. On this International Women’s Day, the call is clear—equality is not just a women’s issue, but a national priority.
By Andy Oppong Dankyi
