Honorable Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, the General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has highlighted former President John Mahama’s achievements on gender equality, emphasizing the party’s flagbearer efforts to address the “vast” gender gap.
The General Secretary underscored that the former President’s commitment to gender equality is not just rhetoric, but a driving force behind his policies and actions.
Honorable Fifi Fiavi Kwetey noted that former President John Mahama implemented initiatives aimed at achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality, showcasing his genuine dedication to empowering women in our nation.
“Under his leadership, significant strides were made towards fostering an inclusive society where every woman was afforded equal opportunities to thrive and succeed.”
Honourable Fifi Fiavi Kwetey
According to the Honourable Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, former President John Mahama emerged as a leader who steadfastly believed in women and recognized the invaluable contributions they make to nation-building. Through his actions and policies, the former President has demonstrated a genuine commitment to empowering women and promoting gender equality in our society.
Fifi Kwetey emphasized that John Mahama’s leadership saw Ghana’s Gender Gap Index rise from 0.68 in 2023 to 0.71 in 2016. “This showcases a commitment to women’s rights,” he added.
He asserted that this was achieved through the implementation of policies and programs to enhance opportunities and rights for women across various domains.
“The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection was established to consolidate protection that promotes the rights of vulnerable groups in society, including women, children, and marginalized populations. It involves restructuring and expanding the functions of the former Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs to address a broader spectrum of social issues.”
Honourable Fifi Fiavi Kwetey
Mr. Kwetey indicated that the former President developed the National Gender Policy to promote gender equality and empower women and girls. It involved the development of a comprehensive policy framework to guide government action on gender issues, including strategies to address gender-based violence, promote women’s economic empowerment, and ensure gender-responsive governance.
The General Secretary of the opposition National Democratic Congress further stressed that the party’s flagbearer’s selection of Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, a highly qualified and capable woman, as his running mate epitomizes this commitment.
He again stated, “In choosing a woman for such a pivotal position, HE John Mahama not only broke barriers but reinforced the crucial role women play in leadership and decision-making.”
Impact of the Gender Equality Initiative
Moreover, Honourable Fifi Fiavi Kwetey pointed up that the improvement in Ghana’s Gender Gap Index score, reflected progress in advancing gender equality, a commitment to promoting women’s empowerment, and laying a foundation for a more equitable future.
He emphasized that the establishment of the Ghana National Household Registry had a transformative impact on social protection in Ghana by improving the targeting of social assistance programs. It has helped ensure that resources are directed to the poorest households to reduce poverty and improve the well-being of vulnerable populations.
“This initiative significantly impacted Ghanaian society by providing a dedicated ministry to advocate for the rights of vulnerable groups. It led to the implementation of various programs and policies aimed at improving the well-being of women, children, and marginalized groups, contributing to greater inclusivity and fairness.”
Honourable Fifi Fiavi Kwetey
According to the Honourable Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, the National Gender Policy has significantly impacted gender equality in Ghana by mainstreaming gender considerations across various sectors. It led to the implementation of programs and policies that have improved the status of women and girls, contributing to a more equitable and inclusive society.
These efforts reflect Mahama’s commitment to closing the gender gap and ensuring equal opportunities for girls and women in Ghana. His actions and policies underline Ghana’s dedication to addressing gender inequality and empowering its female population.
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