Affirmative Action Bill will create a supportive environment for women to thrive – Switzerland Ambassador to Ghana

Switzerland's Ambassador to Ghana, Simone Giger, has urged political parties to create space for women to compete fairly in future elections.

Speaking at the 2024 Dialogue on Women’s Participation in Elections, organised by the Alliance of Feminist CSOs in Accra on November 4, 2024, Giger emphasised the need for an enabling environment to foster women's political involvement, referencing the Affirmative Action Bill as a promising step toward achieving this goal.

“I believe that with the Affirmative Action Bill, we will be able to create a more supportive environment,” she said.

“Even though women should be encouraged to do more, they cannot do it alone. We need men who are supportive to fight for the same goals and objectives,” she added.

She expressed optimism for Ghana’s potential, calling for the country to prepare for a future where women can fully participate in political processes.

She stressed that for this vision to be realized, Ghana must challenge traditional barriers and stereotypes that inhibit women’s participation.

Dr. Iris Mensimah Fynn, a lecturer at the University of Ghana, also called on women to work hard and prove their competency in leadership positions.

She emphasised that by demonstrating strong performance and capability, women can help dispel stereotypes and secure higher positions in society.



The Executive Director of the Alliance of Feminist CSOs (AFCSOs), Alima Lensepe Issahak, called on Ghanaians to support competent women in taking on leadership roles in the country.

Issahak emphasised that it is time to provide qualified women with the support and opportunities they need to lead and make meaningful contributions to national development.

Issahak underscored the importance of choosing leaders based on their capabilities, especially women, noting that competency should be a key consideration.

“I want to tell the women in this country that it is time to support our own, but at the end of the day, there is a problem to be solved. You are thinking about how much you will pay for kenkey and other essentials. So, competency is very key in supporting women to lead.”

Issahak highlighted the example of the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) recent nomination of a female candidate and encouraged people to consider qualifications and competencies as benchmarks when supporting women in leadership roles.

She added, “You have to check if the woman is competent and capable enough. For instance, the NDC is presenting the first female vice president, is she competent or capable?”



GA