Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dakoa Newman has expressed her delight at the passage of the landmark Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Bill by Parliament during its 32nd sitting of the 3rd meeting in the 8th session.
In a statement, the sector minister, who laid the current bill in Parliament on June 14, 2024, said the passage is a significant stride towards achieving gender equity across all sectors and addressing the historical marginalisation of women.
“This landmark legislation represents a crucial advancement in Ghana’s efforts toward gender equity and women’s empowerment,” she said.
Ms. Newman said the passage of the bill reflects the government’s dedication and the collective effort of all who supported the passage of the legislation.
Background
The Affirmative Action Bill was drafted in 2011 and originally introduced in Parliament in 2016. The Act was finally enacted by the 8th Parliament on Tuesday, July 30, 2024.
On September 27, 2023, Cabinet gave approval for the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Bill, developed through a very extensive consultative process involving both state and non-state actors.
The purpose of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024 is to effectively redress social, cultural, economic and gender imbalance in the country based on enduring gender bias rooted in entrenched patriarchal norms, despite formal legal equality between men and women.
The Act also seeks to provide for gender equity through the progressive achievement of gender balance in the public and private sectors, according to set targets, in a bid to address the existing gender disparities in various aspects of Ghanaian society, including education, politics, and the economy.
It provides for progressive increase of women who are hitherto marginalised to be progressively represented in decision-making processes and leadership positions for a more sustainable development.
The Act provides in its first schedule timelines and targets to close the gender gaps.
Starting from 2024 to 2026, all sectors are to comply with the set target and attain a minimum of 30% representation of women (currently identified as the marginalised gender) until gender parity is progressively achieved by the year 2030.
After Parliament’s passage of this Act, the final step is the President’s assent and its subsequent publication in the gazette for it to become law.
The President has shown strong support for women’s issues, and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection trusts that he will expedite the process of giving his assent to ensure prompt implementation.
“The Ministry extends its sincere thanks to the President of the Republic, Parliament, and all organisations, notably the Affirmative Action Bill Coalition, as well as individuals who have championed this cause. We are committed to the effective implementation of this law to foster a more inclusive and equitable society for all Ghanaians,” the statement said.
