Former Member of Parliament for Tano South in the Brong Ahafo region, Dr. Hanna Bissiw, is advocating that political parties reserve 30 percent of seats in their strongholds for women.
Dr. Hannah Louisa Bissiw said patriarchy or male dominance which is a key aspect of the Ghanaian political system is affecting women’s participation in politics.
Ghana joins the rest of the world to celebrate women across the globe. March 8 is a day set aside by the United Nations (UN) to mark International Womens Day.
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This year’s international women’s celebrations focus on gender equality for women which is also captured by the Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs) Goal 5: “Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls”.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem Thursday, Hannah Bissiw described as unfortunate the low levels of women participation at all levels of decision making.
She noted that, women constitute more than half of Ghana’s population so without their participation in the public discourse or decision making process, it would be difficult for Ghana to achieve sustainable development.
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The former Deputy Agriculture Minister in the erstwhile Mahama administration said political parties, especially the ruling party and the main opposition [NDC] should reserve 30% of political seats in their strongholds for women for increased participation.
Hannah Bissiw said Ghana’s development will delay if women’s role and status are recognizably inferior to that of men.
“We should press for progress and we can do anything we set our minds to“, she stressed.
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Also, NPP Member of Parliament for Gomoa Central, Naana Ayiah Quansah supported the call by Ms. Bissiw.
She stated that the promotion of gender equality and women’s empowerment in political parties will attract more women into politics if a quota is allocated to them.
Naana Ayiah Quansah who was also on the show said as government is being pressured to recognize women, “we [women] must also up our game and be ready for the challenge”.
