Last week, the Ghanaian parliament unanimously approved the Affirmative Action Gender Bill 2024, marking a significant step in a journey that began in 1998 to promote gender equality in the country. However, deep-rooted sexism persists in this West African nation, where women often face violence and harmful practices such as female genital mutilation.
The newly enacted law aims to achieve 50:50 gender parity in public positions and parliament by 2030. Currently, women hold only 15 percent of parliamentary seats, falling short of the United Nations’ 30 percent target for all nations. The legislation outlines that its objective is to foster gender equality across political, social, economic, educational, and cultural spheres, with penalties of up to one year in jail for those who obstruct its implementation.
Additionally, the bill proposes quotas for women in the private sector, offering tax incentives in exchange for compliance. According to World Bank data, women occupy just 27 percent of top positions in the private sector.
Activists emphasize the need for a shift in societal attitudes to realize the law’s goals. Rodaline Imoru Ayarna, a member of the Alliance for Revolutionary Change, stressed the importance of broader consultations for effective implementation. “Cultural norms and values play a significant role in people’s understanding of these issues,” she noted.
Ayarna called for a mindset change, asserting that women can perform jobs equal to or better than men. “Women are now pilots, captains of ships, and they have proven their capabilities,” she added.
As Ghana approaches its presidential elections in December, both major political parties—the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC)—are making gender equality key themes of their campaigns. The NDC has promised to establish a development bank for women entrepreneurs with low-interest loans, while the NPP has proposed a similar initiative to support women-led businesses.
Despite these promising initiatives, violence against women remains a pressing issue. A 2016 government report revealed that nearly 39 percent of married women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical abuse.
Lawyer Sheila Minkah-Premo, a convener for the Affirmative Action Coalition group, highlighted the need to dismantle gender stereotypes in Ghana. “Women are not perceived as natural leaders,” she stated. “Addressing this requires extensive education and sensitization to promote equal opportunities for both men and women.”
Celestina Damoah from the Africa Center for Democracy and Socioeconomic Development expressed optimism about the new law. “This is more than just a law; it is the key to unlocking the potential of generations of women who have been waiting for their moment to rise,” she said.
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