Former Gender Minister Otiko Afisa Djaba has challenged government to pass the Affirmative Action Bill to help accelerate women empowerment in the nation-building agenda.

Underscoring the essence of tackling challenges forestalling its passage, the former Gender Minister questioned, “what is stopping the government from passing the Affirmative Action Bill this month as a birthday [gift] to all Ghanaians? Because the development of women is a national issue.”

She was of the view that: “if every woman is educated, there will be no man without education because no educated woman will leave her son out,” Mrs Djaba said on JoyNews’ AM Show Monday.

This comes as the world celebrates International Women’s Day, an event geared towards highlighting the contribution of women around the globe and fueling efforts to improve their impact on society.

It’s been 25 years since Ghana affirmed her pledge to the Beijing Platform for Action to commit to gender equality.

Although successive administrations have admitted to cultural and institutional bottlenecks that make it difficult for women to rise in society, there is a consensus across the world that an even playing field, through the prioritisation of women's development is key in reaching global goals.

The passage of the Affirmative Action Bill into law will mean equal gender representation in governance, public positions of power and decision-making spaces.

While stressing the need to get the bill passed by parliament, Otiko Djaba also urged women to rise above potential impediments and take charge of their roles in their respective spaces.

“If nobody will invite you to the table, take your chair there, invite yourself. When you are fighting for your freedom, nobody will give it to you.”