We must empower our female politicians
The Africa Barometer 2024 report reveals a disturbing trend in women's political participation across the continent.
Despite efforts to promote gender equality, women's representation in African parliaments has only increased by a mere one percentage point over the last four years, from 25 per cent in 2021 to 26 per cent in 2024.
At this glacial pace, it will take African countries approximately 76 years to achieve gender parity in their parliaments, with the target year projected to be around 2100.
The report highlights significant disparities in women's representation across African countries.
Rwanda stands out as a leader, with women holding 61 per cent of parliamentary seats.
In contrast, a country such as Nigeria lags far behind, with women occupying only four per cent of parliamentary seats.
These stark differences underscore the need for more effective strategies to promote women's participation in politics.
The Africa Barometer 2024 report also notes that 41 African countries have implemented quotas to increase women's representation in local and national governance.
While quotas are not a silver bullet, they have been shown to be effective in boosting women's representation in parliament.
To accelerate progress, it is essential to strengthen these quotas and address the underlying socio-economic barriers that prevent women from fully participating in politics.
The Daily Graphic commends Ghana's progress in promoting women's roles in politics, highlighted by Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang's historic ascent as the country's first female Vice-President.
Despite this milestone, female political aspirants in the country still face significant challenges that impact their mental health and well-being.
It's heartening to see some female political aspirants from the 2024 general election advocating psychosocial support for women who contest elections but don't win.
Their call for support stems from the mental trauma experienced during the electoral process.
Given the country's limited mental health resources, with only 18 psychiatrists serving over 30 million people, and a staggering 98 per cent treatment gap, this initiative deserves attention and consideration.
There are a number of factors that contribute to women’s under representation in leadership and decision making.
Women in politics often face verbal and physical attacks, which can be traumatic and affect their self-esteem.
Women are expected to conform to traditional roles, making it difficult for them to break into the male-dominated world of politics.
Moreover, female politicians often have limited access to funding, networking opportunities and mentorship, hindering their ability to campaign effectively while the pressure to perform, coupled with scrutiny from the public and media, can lead to emotional exhaustion and burnout. Social media and online violence are also a new phenomenon women in politics face.
As the country continues to strive for greater representation of women in leadership and decision-making roles, it's essential to acknowledge the unique challenges female political aspirants face.
A recent discussion highlights the importance of providing psychosocial support to help these women navigate the complexities of politics.
Providing access to trained counsellors and experienced mentors can offer emotional support and guidance, helping female politicians cope with the pressures of their roles.
Connecting them with peers and role models can foster a sense of community and shared understanding, allowing them to learn from one another's experiences.
Capacity building programmes and initiatives can equip female politicians with the skills and confidence needed to navigate the political landscape effectively.
By investing in their development, we can empower them to take on leadership roles for them to make meaningful contributions.
Establishing safe spaces for female politicians to share their experiences and concerns can help them feel supported and understood.
This sense of solidarity can be a powerful tool in building their resilience and determination.
By providing psychosocial support, we can help level the playing field and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in politics.
Let's work together to empower the next generation of female leaders and build a brighter future for the country.
As the country continues to strive for greater representation of women in leadership and decision-making roles, it's essential to acknowledge the unique challenges female political aspirants face.
