The gender gap in Ghana’s Parliament remains a critical issue that requires immediate attention. Despite some progress in recent years, women continue to be significantly underrepresented in the country’s legislative body.
This lack of gender diversity not only hampers the development of inclusive policies but also perpetuates inequalities in decision-making processes.
As at 2024, only 40 women out of the 275 parliamentarians are women, and this number may decrease if Ghanaians fail to vote for women in the 2024 elections.
To throw more light on this challenge, The Fourth Estate’s Rebekah Awuah delved deeper through interviews with female parliamentarians, political party stalwarts, political historians, women advocates, governance experts, and the general public for her latest documentary, “Voices of Change.”
The consensus is that it is essential to implement measures that promote gender equality in Parliament and governance. This includes increasing the number of women candidates, providing support for female politicians, implementing quota systems, a Constitutional amendment, and creating a conducive environment for women to participate in politics.
These steps are crucial in creating a more inclusive and representative democracy that truly reflects the diversity of the population.
There is also the need for cultural and societal shifts to challenge traditional gender norms and stereotypes that hinder women’s political participation. It is imperative to prioritize gender equality in politics and ensure that women have an equal voice in shaping the future of the country.
Below is the full documentary: