ActionAid Ghana has called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to sign the Affirmative Action Bill into law.
The non-profit organization emphasized the need for bold measures to resource and establish mechanisms that will support the effective implementation of the law.
The appeal was made in a press release issued on Wednesday, August, following the passage of the Bill by Parliament on Tuesday, July 30, after decades of consideration.
ActionAid Ghana praised Parliament for this significant achievement, stating that the passage of the legislation would empower women and girls across society and help achieve gender equality and equity.
“As a social justice organization, we believe the newly passed Bill provides an opportunity for stakeholders to leverage its strengths to redistribute power and address systemic discrimination and power imbalances that have long affected women and girls in our society,” said the statement.
John Nkaw, Country Director of ActionAid Ghana, expressed confidence that the Bill’s passage would significantly reduce gender inequality and help address power imbalances rooted in historical discrimination and patriarchal socio-cultural systems.
He stressed that while the organization supports the government in promoting inclusive development and gender-responsive public services, many challenges remain.
“The Affirmative Action Bill is a critical step towards rectifying these disparities,” he added.
The press release underscored the urgency of the President’s assent, stating that “the time for action is now, and the President’s immediate approval is crucial. We cannot afford to delay in our pursuit of gender equality.”
ActionAid Ghana also urged civil society to thoroughly study the law to enhance understanding and promote advocacy and awareness campaigns.
This would ensure that all citizens, including women, men, girls, youth, and opinion leaders, are informed about their rights under the new law and how they can support and monitor its implementation.
Additionally, the organization called on the private sector to adopt and promote gender-inclusive policies in line with the Affirmative Action Law within their businesses and organizations once it is enacted.
Communities were also encouraged to advocate for actions that challenge and change harmful cultural norms and practices perpetuating gender inequality, thereby supporting the Affirmative Action and contributing to the effective implementation of the law.
Ghana | Atinkaonline.com | Vivian Adu
