Ghanaians urged to vote for female parliamentary candidates

Alliance for Women Opportunities and Development (AfWOD), women’s rights and livelihood organization is urging Ghanaians to prioritize competence and commitment to positive change by voting for female parliamentary candidates in the upcoming 2024 general elections, regardless of party affiliation.

The organization says women representation in Ghana’s legislature remains alarmingly low, with only 40 women among the 275 Members of Parliament, representing a mere 14.5 percent as of the 2020 elections.

In a Press Release signed by its Executive Director, Ms. Precious Hamidu, the organisation said: “This figure starkly contrasts with the global average of 26.5 percent, as reported by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). Beyond parliament, women’s participation in decision-making at various levels is equally inadequate, underscoring the urgent need for change.”

Intensify campaigns
The statement emphasized that having more women at decision-making tables is essential for addressing the needs of women and vulnerable groups, adding that: “Women leaders have the lived experiences and empathy required to champion policies that advance gender equality, promote inclusive development, and improve the socio-economic conditions of marginalized populations.”

AfWOD urged female parliamentary aspirants to intensify their campaigns and engage constituents with tangible, issue-based messages to secure their seats.

The statement said women in Ghana are counting on the female parliamentary candidates to win the elections and bring about transformative change that will uplift women and pave the way for a fairer society.

Breaking barriers
It also appealed to voters to focus on the qualifications and track records of candidates rather than their political parties.

“Breaking down the barriers to women’s political participation requires collective action and a shift in mindset. Voting for competent female candidates is crucial to closing the leadership gender gap and achieving equitable governance,” it stated.

AfWOD also called on all stakeholders, including civil society organizations, traditional leaders, and media platforms, to join hands in promoting women’s participation in governance. The statement noted that the collective effort of society is vital to overcoming the socio-cultural barriers that have historically hindered women from ascending to leadership positions.

Please, find below the full Statement issued by the Alliance for Women Opportunities and Development (AfWOD).

AfWOD Calls on Ghanaians to Vote for Competent Female Parliamentary Candidates

For Immediate Release
Sunyani, Dec. 2, 2024 - Alliance for Women Opportunities and Development (AfWOD) has called on Ghanaians to prioritize competence and commitment to positive change by voting for female parliamentary candidates in the upcoming 2024 general elections, regardless of party affiliation.

The organization noted that Ghana’s parliamentary representation of women remains alarmingly low, with only 40 women among the 275 Members of Parliament, representing a mere 14.5 percent as of the 2020 elections. This figure starkly contrasts with the global average of 26.5 percent, as reported by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). Beyond parliament, women’s participation in decision-making at various levels is equally inadequate, underscoring the urgent need for change. This was stated in a press release signed by Ms. Precious Hamidu, Executive Director of AfWOD.

The statement emphasized that having more women at decision-making tables is essential for addressing the needs of women and vulnerable groups. “Women leaders have the lived experiences and empathy required to champion policies that advance gender equality, promote inclusive development, and improve the socio-economic conditions of marginalized populations,” she stated.

AfWOD urged female parliamentary aspirants to intensify their campaigns and engage constituents with tangible, issue-based messages to secure their seats. “This is not the time to be complacent. Women in Ghana are counting on our female parliamentary candidates to win the elections and bring about transformative change that will uplift women and pave the way for a fairer society,” the statement added.

The organization also appealed to voters to focus on the qualifications and track records of candidates rather than their political parties. “Breaking down the barriers to women’s political participation requires collective action and a shift in mindset. Voting for competent female candidates is crucial to closing the leadership gender gap and achieving equitable governance,” it stated.

AfWOD also called on all stakeholders, including civil society organizations, traditional leaders, and media platforms, to join hands in promoting women’s participation in governance. The statement noted that the collective effort of society is vital to overcoming the socio-cultural barriers that have historically hindered women from ascending to leadership positions.

For further information, please contact:
Facebook: Alliance for Women Opportunities and Development (AfWOD)

Email: info@[email protected]
Phone: +233 (0) 0268313388/0540636808