The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has expressed disappointment and concern over the low participation of women in the upcoming 2023 District Level Elections (DLEs) scheduled for December 19.
Despite ongoing efforts to promote women's participation in governance and decision-making processes, there is a noticeable gender gap in the number of women contesting in various regions.
Mr. Mawuli Agbenu, the Upper East Regional Director of the Commission, conveyed his concerns, stating, “When women are not represented at the decision-making table, their concerns, interests, and that of their children are mostly not considered.
Apart from that, more than half of the workforce of the informal sector in this country are women, and if they are not involved in decision-making, it means that their economic opportunities and interests are not being taken care of, forcing them to remain in poverty.”
He cited three municipalities Garu, Tempane, and Nabdam where no women filed to contest. Out of a total of 949 people filing to contest in the District Assembly elections in the region, only 25 are women.
Similarly, in the Unit Committee elections across the region, only 156 women out of 1,936 have filed to contest.
The Regional Director emphasized the importance of increasing the representation of women in decision-making structures at the local level.
He highlighted that the participation of women is crucial for addressing challenges affecting the growth and progress of women and children and is an essential ingredient for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Mr Joachim Elbazar, Nabdam District Director of the NCCE, added, “It is time women took courage to contest for positions to lead and not see themselves as followers all the time because they can be better leaders as well, and I call on them to come out strongly in opportunities like this to make a case for themselves.”
