Women's Participation and Representation in Politics: Perspectives from Ghana

Abstract

This article discusses empirical findings on issues affecting women's effective participation in politics and the public sector of Ghana. It argues that women's involvement in public life and politics has steadily declined contrary to hopeful reportage that global empowerment campaigns have increased women's political participation across Africa. The article suggests that given the deep-rooted socio-cultural hindrances women face, affirmative action policies need to be revisited to complement women's agency in contesting for, winning, and participating in politics and public service more effectively.

Keywords:

• women
• politics
• representation
• participation
• Ghana

Notes

¹i.e., from the emphasis on micro-finance empowerment projects.

²It is uncertain if this was because of the public's fear of the influence the organization wielded due to its links with the military regime (PNDC) at the time.

³This directive is not backed by law.

⁴The Women's Manifesto in Ghana was developed by a coalition of NGOs and women's rights activists in Ghana. It addresses issues of concern to women in the country.

⁵CEDAW, the Maputo Protocol on the Rights of Women.

⁶Total number of seats contested have ranged from 76 in 1998 to 92 in 2011.

⁷Foot soldiers are party political gatekeepers or activist found in various locales that are perceived to have contributed physically to the campaign of political parties.

⁸Name of the female sports minister in Ghana for 2010–2011.