Pan-African women’s leadership network, HERizon Africa, is advocating increased female representation in governance from 30% to 50%, arguing that Africa’s development depends on how quickly women move from the margins of decision-making into the centre of leadership.

At the HERizon Africa Summit held in Accra under the theme, ‘African Women Redefining Global Influence’, speakers stressed that while policy progress has been made, structural, cultural and social barriers continue to limit women’s full participation in governance.

Special Guest of Honour and Deputy Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, noted that Ghana’s Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024 (Act 1121), which targets 30% female representation by 2026 and 50% by 2030, must be matched with deliberate implementation.

“This is not merely policy; it is a transformative agenda to reshape governance in a way that reflects the true composition and strength of our society,” she said.

She explained that although progress is being made, women still occupy only about 15% of parliamentary seats, underscoring the need for stronger interventions to close the leadership gap.

HERizon Africa organisers say the advocacy goes beyond numbers and focuses on addressing systemic challenges preventing women from rising into leadership.

Chairperson of the African Women Leaders Network Ghana, Dr Charity Binka, identified gender-based violence as one of the key obstacles holding women back from high-level positions.

According to her, fear of harassment, intimidation and discrimination continues to discourage many qualified women from pursuing leadership roles.

Adding a personal perspective to the conversation, Global Lead of HERizon Africa, Gifty Boatemaa Annan, shared her experience of growing up in an abusive home, saying the experience continues to shape her commitment to advocating safer environments for women and girls.

She noted that creating platforms that empower women is critical to breaking cycles of vulnerability and exclusion.

The Managing Director of Zoomlion Ghana Limited, Doris Kwekwor Adjei, also highlighted the role of the private sector in advancing women’s empowerment, revealing that about 80% of the company’s workforce is made up of women.

According to her, the deliberate recruitment of more women is part of efforts to economically empower them and provide sustainable livelihoods.

She noted that creating employment opportunities for women not only improves household incomes but also contributes to national development.

Investment, Finance, Sustainability and Development Consultant, Ohenewaa Sakyi-Bekoe, said African women are increasingly influencing global conversations through entrepreneurship, innovation, governance and development leadership.

“African women are no longer on the margins of global influence. We are helping to shape it,” she said.

She, however, emphasised the need to address barriers such as access to education, finance and equal opportunities.

HERizon Africa is also promoting what speakers described as positive masculinity, encouraging men to actively support women’s advancement through mentorship and partnership.

Advocates say gender equality cannot be achieved by women alone but requires collective responsibility.

Organisers say the summit forms part of a broader effort to build a strong Pan-African network to support women’s leadership, strengthen partnerships and expand economic and governance opportunities.

They maintain that increasing women’s participation is not only a matter of fairness but a necessary strategy for building resilient economies and inclusive institutions across Africa.