ActionAid Ghana has called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to assent to the Affirmative Action Bill to make it a law.
It said bold steps must also be initiated to resource and establish mechanisms for assessing and promoting the effective implementation of the law.
These were contained in a press release issued by the non-profit organisation on Wednesday, August after the passage of the Bill.
The Bill was passed by Parliament on Tuesday, July 30 after decades of being considered in the House.
ActionAid Ghana applauded the legislature for such an audacious move, saying: “With the passage of this important legislation, women and girls will be empowered in every aspect of our society and gender equality and equity will be achieved.
“As a social justice organisation, we think that the recently passed Bill gives interested parties the opportunity to take advantage of its strengths to redistribute power and address the systemic discrimination and power disparities that have long plagued women and girls in our society.”
Country Director of ActionAid Ghana John Nkaw insists the passage of the Bill will go a long way to eradicate the age-long issue of gender inequality “and help in addressing power imbalances in the country stemming from historical discrimination against women and persistent patriarchal socio-cultural systems and norms”.
“It also means that citizens and CSOs, while celebrating this achievement, have a responsibility to study the content of the bill and determine how we can monitor its effective implementation and practice.”
He further noted that though his outfit supports government to address inclusive development and the distribution of gender-responsive public services, many challenges persist.
“Hence, the Affirmative Action Bill represents a critical step towards rectifying these disparities.”
The press release maintained that the President’s assent cannot be delayed.
“The time for action is now, and the President’s immediate approval is therefore crucial in this process.
“We cannot afford to delay in our pursuit of gender equality.”
In commending Parliament for the passage of the Bill, ActionAid Ghana urged civil society to study the law to enhance understanding, promote advocacy and awareness campaigns to “ensure that women, men, girls, youth, opinion leaders are informed about their rights under the new law. and how they can support and monitor the implementation process”.
It also urged the private sector to “adhere, adopt and promote gender-inclusive policies around the Affirmative Action Law (especially after it has been assented to) and practices within their businesses/organisations”.
It also urged communities to “further advocate and take actions to promote actions that challenge and change harmful cultural norms and practices perpetuating gender inequality, support the affirmative Action and effectively contribute towards the unhindered implementation of the Law”.
