Accra: The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has conducted a comprehensive two-day workshop aimed at sensitising Ghanaian female Members of Parliament (MPs) on the Affirmative Action Law. The event took place at Aqua Safari in Ada, targeting the enhancement of lobbying skills, advocacy, and equipping MPs with essential tools for the effective enforcement of the law.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Chairperson of the NCCE, Madam Kathleen Addy, emphasized the importance of this sensitisation initiative. She highlighted that the workshop was vital for female MPs to realise the intended benefits of the Affirmative Action Law. She pointed out the necessity for reforms to increase female representation in parliament, drawing parallels with Rwanda, where 64 percent of parliamentarians are women. Madam Addy stressed that achieving such representation requires deliberate efforts, as women often need additional support due to societal dynamics.
In an interview during the event, Madam Addy expressed the need for political parties to allocate a certain percentage of parliamentary seats to women. She believes such measures would integrate women more significantly into policymaking processes. Currently, women constitute only 14 percent of Ghana’s parliament, despite representing over half of the country’s population.
Participating MPs expressed their approval of the workshop, noting the historical marginalisation of women in political spheres. Madam Ablah Dzifa Gomashie, MP for Ketu South, advocated for gender equality in upbringing, stating that both genders can perform most tasks irrespective of traditional gender roles. She asserted that nations with female leadership often outperform others, including Ghana.
Madam Zuwera Mohammed Ibrahimah, MP for Salaga South, reiterated that the Affirmative Action Law, enacted last year, would not become dormant. She committed to ensuring female MPs understand the law thoroughly and engage stakeholders to disseminate an action plan. This approach aims to empower and encourage more women to assume leadership roles in Ghana.