Title: Invest in Women, Peace and Security to accelerate progress

In commemoration of the 2024 International Women’s Day, FOSDA is calling on the Government and the Ministry of Finance to be more involved in and to increase investment into accelerating Women’s progress.

In a rapidly evolving world, empowering women economically is not just a moral imperative but a strategic necessity.
Ghana, poised as an African beacon of democracy has lacked the will to invest in the one thing the people have been asking for: the passage of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equality) Bill into law!

It is time for Ghana to step up and correct the mischief of gender disparities in the country. According to Professor Michael Ocquaye, the former speaker of Parliament, the essence of law making is that, the law is an instrument to correct mischief. Stating that, “Affirmative action is an instrument of social engineering to cater for some wrong done by the society that needs to be corrected”.
Women’s participation in core decision-making spaces in the country is abhorrent and as we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, harnessing the untapped potential of women in these spaces is crucial.
In the Executive Arm of Government for example, Ghana’s economic management team is made solely of 7 males with no female on board. The country has never had a female president and female parliamentarians are 14.5% of the total (a percentage that does not reach the 30% baseline accepted globally).
These statistics reflect how little we invest in accelerating women’s progress in the country.

This year, the government needs to prioritize gender equality at it’s core. The government needs to move beyond soft actions to transformative actions. This year, the government needs to honour all the efforts of Gender Equality advocates, Women’s Rights organisations, Civil Society Organizations, International Organizations and Individuals by passing the Affirmative Action (Gender Equality) Bill into a law.
This is a step in the right direction to pull women into spaces like Ghana’s Economic Management Team.

FOSDA is calling for the passage of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equality bill) into law. FOSDA is calling for the government to Inspire Inclusion.
Countries that prioritize gender equality often experience increased GDP growth, reduced poverty rates, and improved overall well-being. By directing financial resources towards initiatives that empower women, the government can play a pivotal role in shaping a more prosperous and equitable future.

Over the years, the government’s slow and unwilling disposition to pass the bill into law also reflects in other aspects of the Ghanaian society like Peace and Security.
According to the FOSDA monitoring exercise on the implementation of Ghana NAP 2 on UNSCR 1325, the main challenge met by all 6 interviewed stakeholders including the Ministry of Gender (MoGCSP), the Ministry of the Interior (MINTER) and 4 other security agencies under MINTER, is insufficient funding from the Ministry of Finance to undertake implementation activities. These activities are meant to contribute to the goal of having inclusive and secured societies for women and girls in the country.
It is important to note that the Ministry of Finance has been stated as a stakeholder to the Ghana NAP.

FOSDA is calling for a substantial increase in investment by the Ministry of Finance to bolster women’s participation in various sectors including Peace and Security, fostering economic growth and resilience.

Research consistently shows that diverse and inclusive participation leads to enhanced creativity, innovation, and overall productivity. By investing in the Ghana NAP 2, the Ministry of Finance would contribute to creating a more robust and dynamic economy.
FOSDA is calling on the Ministry of Finance to Inspire Inclusion. FOSDA is calling on the Ministry of Finance to champion the Ghana NAP 2 on UNSCR 1325.

In conclusion, urging the governmnet and the Ministry of Finance to invest in women is not just a call for equality; it is a strategic imperative for sustainable economic growth. By prioritizing gender-inclusive policies and directing financial resources towards empowering women, we can unlock their immense potential, fostering a more resilient and prosperous nation. The time is ripe for bold actions that will shape a future where everyone, regardless of gender, can contribute and thrive.

Happy International Women’s Day!