By Philip Tengzu
Wa, (UW/R), Dec. 01, GNA – The Noble Care Foundation (NCF), a women and children focused not-for-profit organisation, has engaged stakeholders in the Upper West Region on issues of Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) in the 2024 general election.
The engagement, on the theme: “Advancing Gender Responsive Governance and Inclusive Democracy in Ghana in the Context of Election 2024,” was organised by the NCF under the auspices of the Network for Women’s Rights in Ghana (NETRIGHT).
It was to create a platform for the stakeholders including traditional leaders and representatives of the various political parties among others to address key GESI issues of concern as the 2024 election approached.
The discussion focused on initiatives to ensure inclusive and peaceful election, and accessibility and protective measures for vulnerable groups including pregnant women, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and marginalised communities during the election.
The stakeholders also discussed a draft election monitoring checklist for NETRIGHT’s trained election observers for the 2024 election.
Speaking at the meeting in Wa, Ms. Sarah Signaah Adams, the Executive Director of NCF, indicated that gender responsive governance was necessary for sustainable development, especially at the rural levels.
She said despite the importance of women’s participation in governance, barriers such as cultural norms and biases, limited access to education and resources as well as violence and harassment in political space among others hindered their active participation in politics and governance.
“Gender responsive governance promotes equality through policy reforms such as equal access to land, education and economic opportunities, advances the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 5 on gender equality and enhances democracy through inclusive decision-making,” Ms. Adams explained.
She called on all stakeholders including the civil society, political parties, and the international community to collaborate in creating an inclusive democratic system in Ghana.
Ms. Adam also advocated the need for inclusive policies, support for women in politics and to ensure gender equality became a priority for all.
Mr. Nurideen Mumuni, the Wa Municipal Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), indicated that NCCE had been pursuing its mandate of promoting democratic governance through public education on democratic principles.
He added that the NCCE had also been engaging and encouraging women’s participation in politics and governance, especially at the local government level.
Mr. Osman Ali, the Upper West Regional Director of the Electoral Commission (EC), indicated that the EC had taken measures to ensure all polling stations were accessible to all persons including PWDs.
He encouraged women to pick nomination forms to participate in the country’s elections from the district to national levels.
Mr. Ali also appealed to the public, especially women to support women who participate in elections to fairly represent their interest in the governance process.
GNA