We are given second level consideration when it comes to political appointments’’-NORWACGG
The President of Northern Region Assembly Women’s Caucus on Good Governance (NORWACGG), Hajia Abiba Chambas, has described as unacceptable the continued marginalization of women in the northern region in the political leadership positions.
The association consists of market women, various women groups, Young Female Parliament, women in peace building and community “magazias.” It called on governments to go beyond mere rhetoric and walk the talk.
The women have therefore documented their demands in what they called women manifesto asking government and the various political parties to ensure that policy makers and implementing bodies factor in women’s demands.
NORWACGG president was presenting the demands at the launch of ’’ PAG’BA KUKOYA’’, (WOMEN’S VOICES) in Tamale organized by Northern Sector Action on Awareness Center (NORSAAC), a gender based NGO under the auspices of Action Aid Ghana. Hajia Abiba Chambas urged the electorate as part of their demands to vote extensively for women candidates who have shown capability to participate and contribute meaningfully to equitable development.
Hajia Abiba said she felt worried that women in the region do not get political support as against their contributions not well appreciated in spite of their efforts when it comes to campaigns.
“We are given second level consideration when it comes to political appointments—deputy ministerial positions,’’ she lamented. According to her, no single woman occupies District Chief Executive position. She asked if women cannot occupy that position where else can they occupy?
Political parties, NORWACGG said, should ensure that at least 30 percent of all elected positions at district, regional and national levels are occupied by women.
The DCE position, she added, must be an elected one and that the electorate vote extensively for women candidates.
NORWACGG president further called on government not only to take steps in fulfilling its constitutional mandate of Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (FCUBE) but also systematically implement a free SHS policy to help remove obstacles impeding women’s educational advancement.
Hajia Abiba Chambas stressed the need for government to develop and implement a free NHIS policy by offering antiretroviral drugs to people living with HIV/AIDS.