In a transformative event organised by Plan International under the "She Leads Project," women leaders gathered to discuss critical issues surrounding female leadership and representation in politics.

The three-day intergenerational dialogue, which concluded on December 20, 2024, at Monarch Hotel, East Legon, Accra, brought together young girls, women, and high-profile female leaders to explore ways to promote gender equality, especially in decision-making processes. A central theme that emerged during the dialogue was the urgent need for more women in politics

Speaking at the event, a key advocate for the Affirmative Action Bill, Becky Ahadzi urged women to take up leadership roles and actively participate in shaping policies that affect them.

According to Ahadzi, the lack of female representation in Ghana’s parliament has direct consequences on policies that impact women’s daily lives citing the recent tax hike on sanitary pads, a policy that was passed by a predominantly male parliament, leading to a sharp increase in the cost of these essential products.

"Parliament has over 85% men, For them, sanitary pads are a luxury item, and that’s where the 12% imposition came and it became expensive,” she highlighted.

Ahadzi’s remarks highlight a critical issue facing women in Ghana which is the insufficient representation in political positions, which directly affects policies on women’s health, rights, and welfare.

She therefore encouraged more women to run for office, ensuring that their voices are heard in the legislative processes

“It is important for women to be in political leadership. Imagine if more women were in Parliament; they wouldn’t have allowed the high tax imposition on sanitary pads to be passed. The fewer women we have in political leadership, the less likely it is that decisions and laws," she stressed.

Supporting Ahadzi’s stance, Personal Assistant to Madina MP, Francis-Xavier Sosu, and Priscilla Naa Aklerh Plange, also tackled the stigma surrounding women in politics.

She rejected the harmful stereotype that women have to engage in inappropriate relationships to climb the political ladder.

“Every industry faces its challenges. Men will always approach women, but it’s up to the woman to stand firm and make it clear that she is not interested in anything other than advancing her career on merit,” she said.

Finally, the Country Director for Plan International Ghana, Constant Tchona who also spoke at the event, noted that while progress has been made in encouraging more women to step into leadership roles, significant barriers remain.

He acknowledged the social, economic, cultural, and political obstacles women still face in reaching leadership positions and emphasised the need to push forward, calling on young women to continue advocating for gender equality and leadership opportunities.

"The project She Leads is all about girls’ leadership. The 'He' has been leading all the time, so now we want to have the 'She' leading.

"For the past 4 years, we have been discussing how to have the 'She' leading in various areas. And despite all the achievements we can talk about, the challenges remain and therefore, we need to keep pushing, we need to keep pressing forward,” he urged.