British writer, Arthur Clarke once said, “The only real problem in life is what to do next.” On July 30, 2024, many Ghanaians especially gender equality advocates celebrated the passage of the Affirmative Action Act 2024 (Gender Equity) by the parliament.
It is indeed a cause of joy, especially after languishing in parliament for over two decades and undergoing numerous amendments since its inception in 1998. But is the bill’s passage the magic wand that erases gender inequality in Ghana? As Arthur Clarke said, I believe the real issue is what we do next; the implementation.
The legislation seeks to foster gender equity in both the public and private sectors. The beautiful contents of the bill indicate that it aims to achieve a minimum of 30 per cent of women’s participation in governance and decision-making which aligns with the United Nations’ goal for countries.
The legislation is expected to topple the socio-cultural and patriarchal systemic barriers that perpetuate gender inequalities against women and other minorities like people living with disabilities. However, would it be that easy?
I do not intend to be the crow – the harbinger of bad news but the legislation would not be the magic wand to wish away gender inequality as many might expect. As the Chinese philosopher, Confucius said, “Men do not stumble over mountains but over molehills,” it is the molehills of socialisation, the ideals and practices inherent in our cultures, deeply ingrained in our subconscious that may be the stumbling block to the euphoria of gender equity.
It is true that there is women’s underrepresentation in politics and major decision-making positions but is it because of the absence of a law to promote this? Or it is who we are, what we think, believe and practice that accounts for this situation?
‘She sleeps with her boss’, ‘how do you manage family life and work?’ ‘If you want the job, deal or promotion, sleep with me’. I believe you must have heard one of these statements or even said one yourself. Women who set out to achieve things ‘reserved’ for men – to be at the top, would have faced one of those statements or even all and more.
This is the reality and it is who we are. It is not because there is no law to promote women’s participation. In fact, this beautiful and progressive legislation would fail to achieve its goals if the change does not come from the basics – from the marrows of socialisation and culture; when society understands and agrees that a woman is not only good for a wife, a sex object or a child factory. That a woman can be a president, the boss and more.
This bill which is not solely about representation but also addresses the underlying structural and systemic factors that promote gender inequality such as access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities is undoubtedly a cause for celebration.
Hence, we must ensure the effective enforcement of the law while mitigating the effects of the systemic patriarchal norms often reinforced by religion and culture. The government must be faithful in allocating adequate resources to implement the necessary measures, including training officials, and establishing monitoring mechanisms.
Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, CHRAJ, gender equity advocates and all must not rest on our oars to ensure the success of this law lest it becomes a symbolic gesture like many of its predecessors.
In my final words, the passage of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Bill 2024 is a significant step forward in Ghana’s endeavour for gender equality and meeting the Sustainable Development Goal on gender parity. By acknowledging and addressing the deep-rooted social and cultural factors that hinder women’s empowerment, Ghana can truly be more equitable and just for all her children.
Nanja Victoria. 220026307
Affirmative Action law; The magic Wand?
