FOSDA is optimistic that the recent passage of the Affirmative Action Gender Equity Bill into law will significantly accelerate the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda in Ghana.
The WPS agenda, driven by frameworks like the UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325, the Ghana National Action Plan (GHANAP) 2, and the African Union’s Continental Results Framework, emphasizes the participation, prevention, and protection of women. The Affirmative Action Law aligns with these principles by promoting gender mainstreaming and ensuring women’s voices are integral to conflict prevention and resolution, peace negotiations, and post-conflict reconstruction efforts.
This landmark legislation, enacted on July 30, 2024, is poised to enhance women’s participation in decision-making processes, particularly in areas related to peace and security, which have historically seen low female representation.
The Affirmative Action Law mandates a minimum quota for women’s representation in public offices and governance, aiming for at least 30% participation across various sectors by 2026, with a target of 50% by 2030. This is crucial for the WPS agenda, as diverse and inclusive decision-making has been shown to lead to more effective governance and improved outcomes in conflict resolution and peacebuilding efforts.
At FOSDA, we are keen advocates for increased investment in women’s roles within the peace and security sectors. We place emphasis on the fact that empowering women is not just a moral obligation but a strategic necessity for sustainable development. FOSDA highlights the need for the government to prioritize gender equality, particularly in its economic management teams and security agencies, where women’s voices are often low.
Historically, women’s participation in Ghana’s governance structures has been alarmingly low, with women holding only 14.5% of parliamentary seats. FOSDA believes that the Affirmative Action Law will serve as a corrective measure, addressing these disparities and fostering an environment where women can contribute meaningfully to national security and peace initiatives.
FOSDA’s monitoring of the Ghana National Action Plan (GHANAP) on UN Security Council Resolution 1325 has revealed significant challenges, including insufficient funding and investment for initiatives aimed at enhancing women’s roles in peace and security.
It is however reassuring that the Ghana’s security services despite the limitations and challenges have made substantial strides to increase meaningful women participation and inclusion in the security services. Ghana is currently the second highest contributor of women peacekeepers to the UN peacekeeping operations.
It is expected that the Affirmative Action Law will provide a framework for addressing challenges such as funding gaps so that women’s contributions are recognized and supported.
To fully realize the potential of the Affirmative Action Law, FOSDA calls on the government to commit to substantial investments in the implementation of GHANAP and ensuring that women are actively involved in peace negotiations and security policymaking. FOSDA urges all security services to adopt gender policies in alignment with the Affirmative Action Act to ensure women’s meaningful participation, their inclusion and protection in peace processes. Effective implementation of this law will empower Ghanaian women to contribute to a more secure, equitable, inclusive and prosperous future.