By Priscilla Oye Ofori
Accra, Mar. 07, GNA—Dr. Efua Kwaambaa Turkson, Gender Equity and Research Manager at Emerging Public Leaders of Ghana (EPL Ghana), has urged bold, intentional action to break barriers hindering gender equality.
She said there was the need for transformative policies that empowered women and girls, alongside inclusive leadership structures for proper representation.
Dr. Turkson made the call after a health walk organised by the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection in Accra to mark International Women’s Day (IWD).
International Women’s Day, observed annually on March 8, celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, while calling for action to accelerate gender parity.
This year’s theme is: “For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”
Dr. Turkson pointed out that women remained underrepresented in decision-making roles, despite constituting 50.7 percent of Ghana’s population.
She noted that only 17.4 per cent of young women were enrolled in tertiary education compared to 20.5 per cent of young men.
Dr. Turkson noted that, despite their contributions, women faced higher unemployment rates and occupied less than 30 per cent of senior leadership positions in Parliament.
She stated that outdated norms must be challenged and policies promoting gender equality upheld.
Dr. Turkson emphasized that the future of the country depended on the full participation of its people, particularly women, and therefore, there must be investment in their leadership potential.
She said that true progress could only be achieved when women were given equal space to lead, innovate, and inspire, with strong commitment from government institutions and stakeholders.
Dr. Charity Binka, Chairperson of the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), called for more attention to mentorship, intergenerational leadership, and equal policies, noting that true empowerment required deliberate and sustained action.
She urged men to support the movement and called for more gender champions to advocate for the gender agenda.
Dr. Binka commended the Ministry for its commitments to gender equality, empowerment, and the protection of women.
EPL Ghana, a nonprofit organization, aims to equip young Ghanaian leaders with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to drive transformational change in Ghana and Africa.
The organization partners with the Government of Ghana, through the Office of the Head of Civil Service, as well as public service organizations, to train and develop ethical and competent young public service professionals committed to good governance and excellent public service delivery.
GNA