The Minister of Information, Fatimatu Abubakar, has commended the passage of the Affirmative Action Bill, highlighting the relentless efforts of current and past Ministers for Gender, Children, and Social Protection in advocating for gender parity in Ghana.
Speaking to journalists in Accra on Friday, she expressed gratitude for the dedication and passion of these ministers, particularly praising the contributions of Darkoa Newman and former minister Cynthia Morrison.
Madam Abubakar recounted how Hon. Cynthia Morrison's fervent support for the bill included public advocacy and navigating legislative processes, even when faced with setbacks and demands for amendments from stakeholders.
Hon. Morrison's successor and subsequent ministers also maintained strong advocacy, culminating in the bill’s passage into law.
Reflecting on the historical context, Abubakar mentioned that the draft of the women’s manifesto dates back to 2010, and acknowledged the persistence of organizations like Ubantu for Development in promoting the affirmative action agenda.
Despite years of uncertainty, the minister expressed excitement about the new blueprint for gender equity, emphasizing that the law aims to address gender biases and create parity in leadership and representation.
Abubakar noted that the Ministry of Information exemplifies gender balance, with a majority of leadership roles held by women.
She credited President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for his unwavering support and advocacy for gender parity, underscoring his role as a gender champion and his influence in ensuring the passage of laws promoting gender equity.
In a lighter vein, she mentioned the Ministry’s unique gender dynamics, often advocating for the inclusion of more men to achieve balance.
Overall, Hon. Abubakar celebrated the bill’s passage as a significant step towards reflecting the population dynamics of Ghana, where half of the population are women.
The passage of the Affirmative Action Bill marks a milestone in Ghana’s journey towards gender parity, setting a legal framework for addressing gender disparities and promoting equal representation across various sectors.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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