Hon. Dakoa Newman, MP, and Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection has expressed gratitude to the President of the Republic, Parliament, and all organizations, particularly the Affirmative Action Bill Coalition, for their instrumental roles in bringing this legislation to fruition.
Hon. Dakoa Newman indicated that Ghana has achieved a significant milestone in its ongoing efforts to promote gender equity across all sectors. This historic development marks a crucial step towards addressing the longstanding marginalization of women and underscores the Government of Ghana’s unwavering commitment to gender equality.
“We are committed to the effective implementation of this law to foster a more inclusive and equitable society for all Ghanaians.”
Hon. Dakoa Newman, MP, and Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection
The journey towards the enactment of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act began on September 27, 2023, when the Cabinet approved the bill following an extensive consultative process involving both state and non-state actors.
The Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection laid the bill in Parliament on June 14, 2024, marking a critical step towards its eventual passage.
Hon. Dakoa Newman highlighted that the Act aims to redress social, cultural, economic, and gender imbalances in the country, addressing enduring gender biases rooted in entrenched patriarchal norms, despite formal legal equality between men and women.
“It seeks to achieve gender balance in the public and private sectors according to set targets, aiming to address existing gender disparities in various aspects of Ghanaian society, including education, politics, and the economy.”
Hon. Dakoa Newman, MP, and Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection
Key provisions of the Act include the progressive increase of women’s representation in decision-making processes and leadership positions, essential for sustainable development.
The Act outlines timelines and targets to close gender gaps from 2024 to 2026, mandating a minimum of thirty percent (30%) representation of women in all sectors until gender parity is progressively achieved by the year 2030.
Presidential Assent
Following Parliament’s passage of the Act, the final step is to obtain the President’s assent and subsequently publish the Act in the gazette for it to become law. Hon. Dakoa Newman expressed confidence in the President’s support.
“The President has shown strong support for women’s issues, and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection trusts that he will expedite the process of giving his assent to ensure prompt implementation.”
Hon. Dakoa Newman, MP, and Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection
The passage of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024 is expected to have far-reaching implications for Ghanaian society. By setting concrete targets for gender representation, the Act aims to create a more inclusive environment that empowers women and fosters equitable participation in all sectors.
This legislative milestone is anticipated to catalyze positive changes in education, politics, and the economy, contributing to the overall development and progress of Ghana.
The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection reaffirmed its dedication to the effective implementation of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024.
With the collective effort of government entities, organizations, and individuals, Ghana is poised to make significant strides toward achieving gender equity and dismantling the historical marginalization of women. This landmark legislation symbolizes a new era of inclusivity and equality, paving the way for a brighter and more equitable future for all Ghanaians.
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