The Special Aide to former President John Dramani Mahama, Joyce Bawah Mogtari has highlighted the strides made by Ghana in promoting gender equality while emphasizing the need for further action, particularly in politics.
According to Mogtari, Ghana has made significant progress compared to other nations but stressed the persistent challenges faced by women in the country.
“I think that Ghana, unlike many other countries, has actually come of age,” she stated. “You see, take the private sector, even in politics, look at the numbers in Parliament; they have actually not been very encouraging.” She said in an interview with Helen Appiah-Ampofo on 3FM Sunrise Rise Morning Show on March 8, on the celebration of International Women’s Day.
Reflecting on the hurdles women face in politics, Mogtari pointed out the multifaceted nature of the issue. “First and foremost is the yearning for inclusion, secondly is the funding to contest and compete, and thirdly is the need to fight really hard to justify participation,” she explained. “The parties have tried over the years to reserve some safe seats for women.”
She emphasized the importance of passing the Affirmative Action Bill into law, citing successful implementations in other African countries like Ethiopia and Kenya. “We need to start advocating for the Affirmative Action Bill to be passed into law. It is one thing we haven’t tried,” she asserted.
Highlighting the role of women in political parties, Mogtari commended efforts made by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to promote female participation in various capacities. “We have tried very hard to create a very enabling environment so that young women can thrive,” she said. “Parliament is actually the fulcrum. It is the official space where we measure, and if we have 20 women on each side of the political divide in a multiparty system, it means that we’re not doing very well.”
Mogtari paid tribute to trailblazers like the late Madam Edna Kuma, who played a pivotal role in advancing women’s rights in Ghana.
“There are many women out there who have done amazing things and continue to do fantastic things,” she remarked. “We need to stand up to be counted; let your voice be heard.”
By Joselyn Kafui Nyadzi