Parliament has passed the Affirmative Action, Gender Equity Bill 2024 into law.
The new legislation seeks to tackle deep-rooted social, cultural, economic, and political gender imbalances in the country, which have long been perpetuated by historical discrimination against women and entrenched patriarchal norms.
The bill promises to promote gender equity across both public and private sectors, marking a significant step towards inclusivity and fairness.
This development was announced during the parliamentary session on Tuesday, led by the Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin.
“Honourable members, the ‘ayes’ have it. The Affirmative Action Gender Equity Bill 2024 is now the Affirmative Action Gender Equity Act, duly read the third time and passed,” he declared, emphasizing the collective agreement among the members.
The passage of this bill is seen as a victory for gender advocates who have long campaigned for such measures to be enshrined in law.
However, the bill has not been without its critics. Haruna Iddrisu, Member of Parliament for Tamale South, voiced his reservations about the bill’s relevance to Ghana.
Speaking at the 15th MTN Pulse Africa Transform Summit in Kumasi, Mr. Iddrisu argued that the bill’s content largely addresses issues from other countries rather than focusing on the unique challenges faced by Ghanaian women.
He also highlighted the importance of balancing aspirations with realistic goals, encouraging women to strive for success while being mindful of the societal context in which they operate.
