Accra, Ghana//-Emerging Public Leaders of Ghana (EPL Ghana), an organization committed to empowering the next generation of civil service professionals has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing gender equality and empowering women within the public sector.
It seeks to do this by improving governance in the public sector and policy-influencing organisations in the country.
The Country Director of EPL Ghana, Juliet Amoah said this in a speech read for her by Gender Equity and Research Manager of EPL Ghana, Efua Kwaambaa Turkson at an event to mark this year’s International Women’s Day in Accra.
The programme continues to provide support and a secure pathway through the public sector for Ghanaians, focusing on fostering the growth of female leaders.
Undeniably, empowered women drive vibrant economies and sustainable development, according to her.
Madam Amoah said: “Building upon our successful initiatives to support female leaders in gaining employment within core public sector ministries, EPL Ghana is excited to introduce our latest project Gender Barriers to Women’s Leadership within the Ghana Public Sector.
This initiative is designed to strengthen the public service’s capacity to address gender barriers and promote inclusivity at all levels of leadership”.
EPL Ghana is dedicated to bolstering policy implementation, combatting discriminatory workplace practices, and advocating for reforms through a gender inclusion lens to fast-track leadership opportunities to amplify women’s influence.
By investing in mentorship and professional development of women, we aim to cultivate gender-inclusive public service institutions, accelerating progress towards equitable opportunities for women’s leadership. Addressing institutionalised gender barriers is pivotal for fostering responsive, sustainable institutions in Ghana, she noted.
“Today, as we celebrate the achievements of women in leadership and honour their contributions to society, let us also recommit ourselves to the ongoing struggle for gender equality and women’s empowerment. Together, we can build a future where every woman and girl has the opportunity to fulfil her potential and contribute to a more just, equitable, and prosperous world”.
Madam Amoah therefore urged all to join the campaign and become champions for change in their communities, workplaces, and beyond.
“Let us advocate for policies and practices that promote gender equality, support women’s leadership, and create opportunities for women and girls to thrive.
On this International Women’s Day, let us renew our commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all”.
Significant strides
She observed that globally and in Ghana, women have made significant strides, demonstrating resilience and talent across the fields of education, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
Yet, gender disparities persist in all these sectors, especially in education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Again, women face obstacles like gender-based violence and unequal pay.
From the recent Ghana’s 2021 Population and Housing Census, females constitute 50.7% of the total population. Within the female population, 52.6% fall within the range of 15-49, while 20.2% are aged 15-24.
Disparities
Disparities in education are also evident, with 20.5% of young men aged 20-24 enrolled in tertiary education compared to 17.4% of young women. In urban areas, 17.6% of young people aged 20-24 are in tertiary education, contrasting with 10% in rural areas.
Female unemployment rates (22.3%) surpass male rates (17.4%) among youth aged 15-35. Across all age brackets, urban areas exhibit higher unemployment rates than rural areas. These statistics underscore the urgency of investing in women to accelerate progress in Ghana, Madam Amoah said.
Despite constituting most of Ghana’s population and showing promising representation in certain age brackets, disparities persist in education and employment. Addressing these gaps is crucial for fostering gender equality and driving socio-economic advancement.
“Ghana embraces the global theme for International Women’s Day 2024, “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” resulting in the campaign theme #InvestInWomen#. This theme resonates deeply with our commitment to empowering women and recognising their pivotal role in societal advancement. Investing in women catalyses progress across all sectors, fostering economic growth, social cohesion, and sustainable development.”
International Women’s Day is celebrated every year globally on March 8th to celebrate the economic, political, and social achievements of women past, present, and future.
