Governance
Women participation in decision-making
Governance
Nairobi Forward-Looking Strategies
Women participation in decision-making has consistently been at the centre of the global agenda since the adoption of the Nairobi Forward-Looking Strategies for the Advancement of Women in 1985. In Ghana gender equality and equity principles are yet to be fully integrated into democratization processes, structures of power and decision-making procedures. Women participation compared to men in governance and development is still low, nevertheless some women have exhibited the qualities of good leadership.
GenCED drive
However, for women to be efficient and effective, they need education and advocacy to encourage their participation in decision-making. This project develops research and advocacy materials to demystify governances and demonstrate women’s need to participate effectively in electoral politics. There will be advocatory activities which are more geared towards more discussion and participation of women in our governances and also with political parties to increase seats for women within parties and also in national and district assembly elections. GenCED drive is to encourage, promote and strengthen women to be in governance. If women who form majority of Ghana’s population actively participate in good governance by seeking transparency, efficiency and accountability, poverty would significantly be reduced. The general lack of civic knowledge among women has worsened their participation and representation in decision-making, election and governance. This is particularly reflected by their slim percentage in parliament, district assemblies, corporations and other public positions.
Objectives of The Project
There project is aim at giving an intensive political education (electoral issues, policies of governances and women involvement in governance) to women about our national and district authority. The general objective of the Women and Governance project is to educate the women in the localities to be able to participate in politics to enhance their participation in governance. This will include women’s empowerment through advocacy, research, knowledge sharing and networking (to address gender equity and equality).
The specific objectives of the project are to;
- Increase women’s awareness of their civic rights and responsibilities;
- Increase the pool of informed women who can participate in the electoral process as candidates and voters;
- Increase women’s representation in decision-making positions in the public and private sectors and thereby improve their capacity for development-related decision-making;
- Increase community members’ control of the electoral process and promote the principles of free and fair elections;
- Create awareness of the virtues of accountability, transparency, and good governance;
- Increase the opportunities for communities to update their information on governance;
- Encourage women to assume key leadership positions at local and national levels by participating in governance;
- Network and build coalition with partners and critical actors to influence decentralization/ local governance to promote gender responsiveness;
- Tracking parliamentary proceedings that centre on gender issues;