WOMEN ECONOMIC DIALOGUE

Women's participation in Economic Transformation in Ghana faces limitations in various forms. Despite various initiatives to empower women in policy-making and implementation, significant barriers persist, leaving many women marginalised in economic management. Women represent over half of Ghana's population but often rely on male-dominated leadership for resource allocation and policy formulation. This situation calls for a more inclusive approach that addresses women's diverse needs.

In this regard, the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, in collaboration with SWIDA and YARO, on 19th November 2024,  organised a Women's Economic Dialogue at the Aisha Homes in Tamale to discuss policy provisions of the various political parties in the 2024 elections. The dialogue was themed: Towards Sustainable Development; "the economy we want".  Women from Trade Unions, academia, government agencies, political parties and other women's groups attended the dialogue. Prior to this Multistakeholder engagement, the FES engaged various women in the Eastern, Ashanti, Brong and Ahafo regions on the gender targeted policies in the political party manifestos to inform and garner their perspectives on the provistions to ensure equitable implementation.

 The following were highlighted during the dialogue;

• We must acknowledge that climate injustice affects women more than men, which has multiple effects on the quality of women's life and their socioeconomic situation.
• Women are particularly exposed to several challenges in regard to informal cross-border trade.
• The challenges are also interconnected, for instance, the informal sector and climate change. Many well-known challenges are increasing. The drought spell in Ghana's North was a shock for many people. It especially affects those who work in informal sectors and who do not have a stable income, especially those who are not in crisis.
• Policies ensuring the equity of women are being politicised: Often little of what is promised happens, or the marginalised are not benefitting from it.
• The economy might be growing but the growth is not producing more employment, which is urgently needed.
• The economic participation of men is higher than the economic participation of women in the country.
• Women are still largely underrepresented in the economy and in political positions, particularly in leadership.
• You don't get a loan without collateral, which disproportionately affects women. Women often do not own houses or land. We need to discuss the issue of ownership, especially within marriage.
• Continuity of development is also a big challenge, relevant in all fields.

As a way of recommendation, the following were articulated;

• Within the first 100 days of the winning political party, the Affirmative Action Law should be enforced – a focus of women in leadership positions.
• Provide timelines to the implementation of political party manifestos.
• Adequately resource gender departments in the various ministries to implement the Affirmative Action Law to the latter.
• Enforce environmental protection laws to cushion women against its negative effects.
• Strengthen women's access to credit facilities.
• Involve various stakeholders in implementing the various policies outlined in political party manifestos.
• Minimise political interference in providing social interventions.
• Recognise the different needs of persons with disability.
• Clearly outline the funding sources for the implementation of political party manifesto promises.
• Build relevant partnerships to ensure the effective and efficient implementation of political party manifestos.
• Strengthen institutions to ensure fair implementation of gender equality and social inclusion related policies.
• Implement targeted policies to ensure that decent work and climate justice is realised – particularly for women.
  • Pass C190 Bill to ensure women's full participation in Ghana's economic development.

The dialogue also emphasised the importance of clear timelines, funding transparency, and stakeholder collaboration to effectively implement policies that support women's inclusion in the economy. Stakeholders recognised the critical role of women, particularly in agriculture. They highlighted the need for targeted initiatives to dismantle barriers to their participation and to promote gender equality and social inclusion across various sectors in Ghana.