Throughout history, the central role of women in society has ensured the stability, progress and long-term development of nations. In today’s world, women with their ambitions, intelligence and strength have proved that the word “competence ” has nothing in common with their gender.
In the global struggle to get more women into high political office, Former President John Mahama and the NDC have shown a shining example by this wonderful nomination and has indeed respected women. Leadership is about character and substance and Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang depicts that and even more.
27th July, 2020 will go into annals of history as one of the brightest days in our country’s political history. A day one of the major political parties outdoored it’s Vice Presidential candidate who happened to be woman, not just a woman, but a woman of great attributes, a well distinguished public servant, astute, calm , decent and visionary.
I was amazingly proud to watch her eloquently deliver her first major maiden public speech to the nation,her oratory,depth ,demeanor and delivery was impressive.
Women have been notably in fewer numbers in the executive branch of government. The gender gap has been closing, however, albeit slowly, and we are still underrepresented.Politics is a “matrix of domination” designed by race, class, gender and sexuality.
But it is trite knowledge that the political participation of women have always resulted in tangible gains for our democracy, greater responsiveness to the needs of citizens , unity and inclusiveness.
One of the many profound statements I took from her impeccable address was when she said “What really matters is not to be the first through the door but to hold the door for those behind you”. This was not only inspiring , but fulfilling. A clear intention and vision to support women empowerment and make available opportunities for us all. All over the world, participation of women in formal politics has been low compared to men.
Gender inequality within families, inequitable division of labor within households, cultural attitudes about gender roles further subjugate women and limit our representation in public life. Our interest and empowerment as women have been under-presented because our society is highly patriarchal.
Kofi Annan noted, “study after study has taught us, there is no tool for development more effective than the empowerment of women. This buttresses the relevance of our women and their impact to the development of our nation.Women’s participation in politics helps advance gender equality and affects both the range of policy issues that get considered and the types of solutions that are proposed. Research indicates that whether a legislator is male or female has a distinct impact on their policy priorities.
There is also strong evidence that as more women are elected to office, there is a corollary increase in policy making that emphasizes quality of life and reflects the priorities of families, women, and ethnic and racial minorities.
As a woman myself and an advocate for women empowerment over the years working hard to support my fellow women and the girl child through my foundation and philanthropic activities, I have no shred of doubt about the competencies and relevance of women to nation building and development. I am highly elated by this new path that has lightened up our political landscape.
Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang brings freshness, maturity and decency to our body politics. In her we have a passionate, honest and competent mother, scholar, and Vice President for Ghana.I am happy to be part of history by registering and voting for the NDC.
Fafali Nyonator
Executive Director
Voice Of Women
falikafui16@gmail.com
0507703967
