The Deputy Minority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei, has called on young women, particularly students, to actively participate in politics and take up leadership positions.

Speaking during a meeting with members of the TESCON on March 25, Mrs Appiagyei emphasised the need for increased female representation in leadership, noting that women remain underrepresented in key decision-making roles.

She stated that it was mothers, grandmothers, and married women who championed the party’s cause because they believed in its core values. adding that "these values must continue to be emphasised and upheld, as they shape the policies that guide the party."

She stressed that understanding and maintaining these core values is essential, warning that losing sight of them would make it difficult for members to fully appreciate what the party stands for and why they should remain committed.

Addressing the current state of representation, Mrs Appiagyei expressed concern about the limited number of women in leadership positions within the party. She noted that restricting women largely to roles such as women’s organiser and occasionally youth organiser is inadequate.

“As a party, we are faced with a limited number of women leading the front. These roles alone are not enough,” she said.

She urged young women to step forward confidently, particularly in mobilisation efforts, stressing that engagement begins with how individuals present themselves and interact with others.

“Do not be shy. Reach out to people and make the effort to speak to them. That was our responsibility, even when we were not given leading positions,” she advised.

Encouraging female students on campuses, she called on them to organise strategically and build networks that would attract more women into political participation. She also cautioned against appearing unapproachable, urging them instead to be lively and engaging.

“Do not present yourselves as snobs. Be approachable, interact with people, and create platforms such as book clubs to bring others together,” she added.

Touching on national representation, Mrs Appiagyei noted that although there are currently 41 women in Parliament, more progress is needed.

“We must work towards ensuring that at least 30 per cent of parliamentary representation is made up of women,” she said.