The National Gender Policy (2015), which served as the supporting policy framework for the Affirmative Action Bill, has expired, according to Ms Lariba Zuweira Abudu, the Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection. In response to the expiration, the Ministry has finalized a revised National Gender Policy (2023-2032) through stakeholder consultations to support the Bill. The Cabinet Memorandum for this new policy is currently being prepared for submission to the Cabinet. The Minister shared this update during a session in Parliament while addressing concerns about the status of the Affirmative Action Bill and steps being taken to expedite its passage.
The Affirmative Action Bill, a crucial piece of legislation with strong support from the House, was resubmitted to Cabinet for consideration and approval on 2nd March 2023, shortly after Ms. Lariba Zuweira Abudu assumed office as the Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection. With the Cabinet’s anticipated approval, the Ministry plans to engage key parliamentary committees and caucuses to fast-track the passage of the Bill. The proposed legislation seeks to address the underrepresentation of women in various decision-making spaces and policy-making bodies in Ghana, a critical step in promoting gender equality and empowering women to actively contribute to the country’s development.
, supporting the Affirmative Action Bill in Ghana, has expired, prompting the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection to finalize a revised policy (2023-2032) for Cabinet approval. The proposed legislation aims to enhance women's representation in decision-making spaces and promote gender equality, but with women's current representation standing at 14.5% in Parliament and below 5% in District Assemblies, the need for effective contributions to Ghana's development is urgent.){kind=link}