Association of Women in the Media endorses Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey for Commonwealth Secretary-General

The Association of Women in the Media (ASWIM) has thrown its weight behind Madam Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey's candidacy for the Secretary-General position of the Commonwealth of Nations. Additionally, ASWIM congratulated Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang on her re-nomination as Running Mate for the National Democratic Congress' Flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama.

Madam Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Ghana's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, was nominated earlier this year by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as the country's candidate for the Secretary-General position. This nomination comes as the tenure of the current Secretary-General, Baroness Patricia Scotland, approaches its end later this year.

In a statement released by ASWIM President, Mrs. Mavis Kitcher, to commemorate the 2024 International Women's Day, the association expressed firm confidence in Madam Botchwey's ability to represent Ghana effectively in this high international office. Mrs. Kitcher wished her success in this endeavor.

However, Mrs. Kitcher also raised concerns about the low representation of women at the highest decision-making levels in the country. With only 40 women out of 275 members in the current Parliament, she highlighted the need for increased female representation in executive roles, local government, public boards, and other relevant decision-making bodies.

Quoting the United Nations Women, Mrs. Kitcher emphasized the importance of empowering women to address global crises effectively. The UN Women warned that failure to address gender gaps could result in 320 million women and girls living in extreme poverty by 2030. Additionally, an investment in closing gender gaps in employment could boost GDP per capita by 20 percent.

Mrs. Kitcher stressed the urgency of removing barriers and stereotypes that hinder women from reaching decision-making levels in Ghana. She warned that without immediate action, the nation would continue to miss out on the unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions that women could offer towards achieving sustainable development goals.

As Ghana prepares for the 2024 General Election, ASWIM called for the election of more competent women to Parliament, urging media organizations and women's groups to support female Parliamentary Candidates across political parties.

Mrs. Kitcher reiterated the call for the passage of the Affirmative Action Bill by Parliament, emphasizing that such legislation would propel gender equality and make society more inclusive and development successes truly sustainable.

International Women's Day, observed globally to celebrate the achievements of women, serves as a reminder of progress towards gender equality and highlights the work that remains. The UN theme for this year's celebration is: “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.”