We need increased efforts to address gender inequality in Ghana – Minkah-Premo

On August 5, 2024, 1:27 AM

Lawyer and convenor of the Affirmation Action Coalition, Sheila Minkah-Premo, has called for increased efforts to address gender inequality in Ghana.

Speaking on TownHall Talk, Minkah-Premo emphasised the need for a comprehensive strategy to tackle these disparities.

She highlighted the entrenched sociocultural beliefs that perpetuate a patriarchal system, where men are often viewed as natural leaders, leaving women marginalised in leadership roles.

“We live in a patriarchal system that places men at the headship, sidelining women. There’s a tendency to push women aside and ensure that leadership is held by men. We need to work towards addressing this,” she said.

The lawyer pointed out that one of the schedules of the new law outlines strategies to address these sociocultural issues.

She stressed the importance of education and sensitisation to shift mindsets and promote equal opportunities for both men and women.

“It calls on schools, right from when our children are younger, to start sensitising them that both boys and girls can achieve as much as possible,” she noted.

Minkah-Premo further remarked on the role of religious beliefs in reinforcing gender roles.

She mentioned the historical reluctance within some major protestant churches to ordain women as priests, reflecting broader societal attitudes towards women’s leadership.

“A lot of advocacy and sensitisation still need to happen to change mindsets,” she asserted.