Gender Minister: Affirmative Action Bill Will Acknowledge Women’s Capabilities and Contributions
The Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Dakoa Newman, highlighted the collaborative efforts that led to the creation of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024, which Parliament passed on July 30th, 2024.
She explained that although the President has not yet signed the Bill, the delay is due to final adjustments being made to ensure its accuracy and completeness before it reaches his desk.
At a press briefing in Accra on August 8, 2024, Madam Dakoa Newman updated the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024, detailing the extensive revisions the Bill has undergone since its introduction. She described the rigorous “winnowing” process that involved removing certain sections and refining the content.
Despite these revisions, the Bill retains its fundamental goal: to progressively increase the minimum representation of women in leadership roles, starting at 30% in 2024 and reaching 50% by 2030.
She dismissed concerns about tokenism, asserting that “the women in Ghana are highly qualified, and their inclusion in leadership roles is not merely symbolic but a recognition of their capabilities and contributions to society.”
Furthermore, the Bill is designed not to penalize non-compliance but to incentivize organizations to embrace gender equity through potential tax benefits. This approach encourages voluntary adherence to the law and demonstrates the broader societal benefits of empowering women in decision-making roles.
Madam Dakoa Newman emphasized that the ultimate goal of the Affirmative Action Bill is to empower capable Ghanaian women, providing them with the opportunities they deserve and making a significant stride toward achieving gender equality and parity in Ghana, in line with UN standards.
