Sidelining women: Ghana, undemocratic democracy

Ghana, the supposed “Black Star of Africa”,  touted as the “Beacon of Democracy” across the continent, yet does not adhere to the very basic tenets of the concept it claims to champion. 

Democracy is meant to be a system of government that connotes inclusion, where the voices who fall under its wings are counted and heard.

Over the years, women in Ghana have increasingly shown interest in the local government system which is intended to bring government to the doorstep of the people.

However, they have failed to attain the 30 per cent United Nations (UN) recommended minimum threshold in representation in the assemblies thereby making gender-based exclusion a thorny issue.  

In fact, women’s representation in district assemblies today stands at less than five per cent while standing at 14.5 per cent in parliament.  

The situation is no different in government's ministerial, ambassadorial and board appointments.

This is a distasteful figure for a country whose latest population census helps us understand that women make up about 52 per cent of the population.

How, therefore, can we as a nation bask in the glory of such a title when the voices of those who make up more than half of our population are neglected and woefully represented when it comes to decision making?

Affirmative action

Even though the 1992 Constitution mandates government to ensure inclusion and equal representation and participation of both women and men, elections have proven ineffective.

It was for this reason that  drafting of Ghana's Affirmative Action Law began as far back as 2011 as a mechanism aimed at removing discrimination, improving the rights of marginalised groups who have been historically disadvantaged.

It will address the historical low representation of women, while promoting democracy and development through inclusive participation. 
However, till date, the bill has still not been passed.

After a dozen years, why has there be been such a lack of political will in seeing this through?

Patriarchy

Hardcore members of the patriarchy believe that as long as there is no law hindering women’s participation in society and politics, coupled with free and fair elections, then there is no need for the affirmative action.

They seem to forget Ghana's historical patriarchal system, coupled with institutional and systemic marginalisation of women, has made it difficult for them to effectively participate and be represented.

The odds are stuck against women.

For generations, women have been treated as the “B team” negatively impacting their self-esteem, aspirations, desires and ambitions when it comes to politics. 

Corruption

I stand to be corrected but most of the corruption scandals we have heard of over the years in our government, its departments and institutions are perpetrated by men.

One may argue that these figures exist because there are not many women running the show.

Inasmuch as this may be true, don’t we owe them the chance to show us what they are capable of?

Men have been at the helm of affairs for as long as we can remember and what do we have to show for it?

Everyone knows that the woman runs a typical Ghanaian home.

Ghanaian mothers are regarded as experts at managing resources and are masters of multitasking; two key aspects of governance.

If we accept all these concepts, then why are we not letting them into our politics and higher positions?

Women's full and equal participation in political processes can be considered to be one of the litmus tests for gender equality and a delivery on the basic elements of democracy.

Inclusion of women in district assemblies, is crucial for gender sensitivity, facilitating the equitable allocation of public resources, ensuring public accountability and strengthening democratic culture for sustainable socio-economic development.

The low representation of marginalised groups, especially women, not only limits the diversity of the legislative process but consensus building around many of the critical challenges facing the country.

Vote women

The Electoral Commission (EC) has set October 3, 2023 for the local government elections and without political will to put women in equal charge, then the mandate falls on us to vote for women.

It should not simply be because they are women but rather because they are competent and capable of handling whatever is thrown at them.

This is a cause organisations such as ABANTU for Development, an international women's non-governmental organisation which seeks to empower African women in diverse fields, are championing.

Building the support, capacity and confidence of women who are interested in wielding political power to bring change.

With just four months to the elections, it falls on us the electorate to mobilise for and vote for women contesting the upcoming 2023 District Level Elections.
Let us vote for women. 

The writer is a reporter with the Daily Graphic 
E-mail: ddotse18@gmail.com