65 Days To Go: How the NDC plans to empower women and shape Ghana’s future

On September 30, 2024, John Dramani Mahama, Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), launched the party's Women Manifesto in Kumasi, emphasising the importance of operationalising the 2024 Gender Equity Bill.

He emphasised the need for women's empowerment, placing them at the center of national development and governance.

At the launch, he promised to introduce two significant bills: the Property Rights of Spouses Bill and the Domestic Workers Bill.

The Property Rights of Spouses Bill aims to ensure equal ownership and control of marital properties for women, protecting them from unilateral eviction by their spouses.

This legislation is designed to provide financial security and independence for women, while the Domestic Workers Bill seeks to safeguard vulnerable domestic workers, predominantly women, from mistreatment and exploitation, holding perpetrators accountable and offering protection to those affected.

“Marriage unites spouses, and in the event of any unfortunate circumstances, properties such as buildings and farmland should be shared equally. No man should have the authority to evict a woman without her receiving her rightful share," he noted.

John Mahama reiterated the NDC's commitment to fully implementing the recently passed Gender Equity Affirmative Action Law 2024 if the NDC returns to power.

He underscored the importance of gender equality in leadership to help harness Ghana’s full potential, stating that the NDC would work to increase women's representation in Parliament, district assemblies, and leadership roles across various sectors.

He explained that these initiatives are not just ethical imperatives but also essential for utilising the nation's best human resources.

The former president outlined policies aimed at tackling unemployment and promoting economic empowerment.

He indicated that the proposed Women’s Development Bank would support women-owned businesses, while the National Apprenticeship Programme would offer free Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to young people, particularly women, in various trades.

He stated, “Women play the most critical role in our society,” affirming that the NDC's “Resetting Ghana” Manifesto recognises this vital contribution.

Mahama declared, “For us, the NDC, our mission is simple: Ghanaian women matter. Ghanaian women are partners in development.”

He pointed out the significance of including women in national decision-making processes, citing his nomination of a female running mate, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, as a symbol of a gender-balanced government.

Mahama indicated gender inequality persists in the country despite women's significant contributions to national development, particularly in the informal sector, where a staggering 92 percent of workers are women, often without safety nets. He noted that this sector contributes between 30 and 40 percent of Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The NDC's Digital Jobs Initiative aims to train one million coders, including women, ensuring their participation in the global digital economy.

Additionally, the Adwumawura Programme seeks to mentor and support 10,000 start-ups annually.

He affirmed that these programs are grounded in the current realities faced by women in Ghana, especially with 27.7 percent experiencing gender-based violence.

To address this issue, the NDC plans to implement a national Zero Tolerance Policy on sexual harassment and domestic violence, establish regional shelters, and provide comprehensive care for survivors. Mahama stated, “We reject the notion that women should suffer in silence,” and emphasized the need to eliminate the violence that hinders many women’s progress.

Touching on health, he announced that women would receive free annual screenings for cervical and breast cancer to help reduce mortality rates. Mahama also pledged the construction of a 500-bed pediatric hospital with hostels for mothers to care for their hospitalized children and a government-assisted fertility center for women struggling to conceive.

Regarding maternity leave, he promised that, should the NDC win power, labour laws would be amended to provide women with four months of maternity leave, alongside one week of paternity leave for fathers. These comprehensive initiatives, according to the party, reflect their commitment to empowering women and transforming Ghana's future.

JKB/AE

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