Let’s empower women in election management for stronger democracy

The recent gathering of Women Chairpersons of African Election Management Bodies (EMBs) in Accra underscored the critical role of women in shaping the continent's democratic landscape.

The meeting, convened by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Association of African Election Authorities (AAEA), brought together nine female heads of EMBs to share knowledge, experiences and best practices in election management.

In her keynote address, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Jean Mensa, emphasised the need for stronger collaboration and knowledge sharing among female leaders in election management.

This call to action is timely and crucial, given the increasing complexities and challenges in election management. By working together, women leaders can pool their expertise, address systemic barriers and create a more inclusive environment for future generations of women leaders.

The importance of women's participation in election management cannot be overstated. Women bring unique perspectives, skills and experiences to the table, which are essential for ensuring an inclusive and participatory electoral process.

Moreover, women's leadership in election management can help build trust and confidence in institutions, thereby strengthening democratic governance.

To achieve this vision, women election managers must prioritise gender-sensitive policies and practices. This includes advocating  measures that address the needs and perspectives of women, such as quotas, gender-balanced electoral commissions and voter education programmes targeting women.

Furthermore, women leaders in election management must commit to transparency, accountability and integrity in all aspects of their work. Good governance is the foundation of a healthy democracy, and women must be at the forefront of promoting these principles.

The Daily Graphic applauds the initiative of the UNDP and AAEA in bringing together women leaders in election management. We urge the participants to take the lessons learnt from this meeting and apply them in their respective countries.

We also call on governments, civil society organisations and stakeholders to support and empower women in election management, recognising their critical role in shaping Africa's democratic future.

The progress of democracy in Africa has been marked by significant milestones, including the increasing participation of women in election management.

Today, women lead electoral commissions in several countries, overseeing critical aspects of the electoral process. This shift is a testament to the growing recognition of women's leadership and expertise in shaping the democratic process.

Sustainable democracy requires inclusive and representative institutions. Women's leadership in election management brings unique perspectives and experiences, enhancing the credibility and effectiveness of the electoral process.

As Africa continues to consolidate its democratic gains, it is essential to ensure that women's participation in election management is not only maintained but also expanded.

To achieve this, governments, civil society and international partners must work together to create an enabling environment for women's leadership. This includes providing training and capacity-building programmes, addressing gender-based barriers and promoting gender-sensitive policies and practices.

By doing so, we can ensure that women's participation in election management is sustainable and contributes to the long-term health of Africa's democracy.

As we look into the future, it is clear that women's leadership in election management will play a critical role in shaping Africa's democratic trajectory. By supporting and empowering women in these roles, we can build stronger, more inclusive democratic entities that reflect the needs and aspirations of all citizens.

The progress made has been a bit slow especially when many regions in Africa growth in women leadership has been slow or static.

There is therefore much work to be done to ensure that women's leadership in election management becomes a permanent feature of Africa's democratic landscape.

By working together and supporting women in election management, we can build stronger, more inclusive democratic states that reflect the needs and aspirations of all citizens.

The time for action is now.