Kumasi: Defence for Children International Ghana (DCI-Ghana), implementers of the ‘She Leads Project,’ has applauded the achievements of girls and women in Ghana in commemoration of International Women’s Day (IWD). Celebrated globally to honor women’s achievements and advocate for gender equality, IWD also promotes equal rights and opportunities for women.
According to Ghana News Agency, the theme for this year’s celebration is ‘For ALL Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment,’ which emphasizes the importance of achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls globally. The theme also calls for a swift and decisive response to address historical and systematic barriers and biases that affect women in all spheres of life by implementing effective strategies and intensifying efforts in advancing the rights of girls and women globally.
This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a landmark blueprint for advancing women’s rights globally. It reinforces the urgency to address critical issues like education, health, economic empowerment, and eliminating violence against women.
As Ghana joins the rest of the world to celebrate women, DCI-Ghana reflects on the progress Ghana has made in advancing women’s rights, which includes the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act 2024, the election of the first female Vice President for the country, and the gradual penetration of women into political leadership.
A statement issued by the organization and copied to the Ghana News Agency in Kumasi, bemoaned the low representation of women in leadership and decision-making in Ghana, citing the 14.90 percent of women elected as Members of Parliament into the 9th parliament as a case in point. ‘The recent appointments by the President witnessed a low representation of women with about 23.21 percent inducted into the various state offices and governing boards, which is below the 30 percent quota as clearly defined in schedule 1 of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act 2024 (Act 1121),’ the statement pointed out.
Other issues that affect girls and women in Ghana, according to the statement, include gendered divisions of roles, gender stereotypes and discrimination, child marriage, domestic violence, and sexual exploitation of girls, period poverty among others. It said the She Leads Social Movement and other Civil Society actors, including women’s rights organizations and Girls and Young Women-led Organizations, had made conscious efforts in advocating and promoting the rights of girls and women in Ghana through advocacy and public awareness campaigns.
They have also provided mentorship and coaching for girls and young women clubs to build their assertiveness and self-esteem to take up leadership roles, while providing platforms to girls to amplify their voices. ‘We say ayekoo to all the dedicated feminists, activists, and gender champions! We highlight the importance of empowering girls and young women, as they play a key role in bringing lasting change,’ the statement concluded.