Lets increase efforts to address gender inequality in Ghana, says Minkah-Premo
Sheila Minkah-Premo highlighted entrenched social beliefs that perpetuate a patriarchal system in which men are often viewed as natural leaders, leaving women marginalised and excluded from leadership roles
The lawyer and convenor of the Affirmation Action Coalition, Sheila Minkah-Premo, has called for increased efforts to address gender inequality in Ghana.
Speaking on TownHall Talk on Friday (2 August 2024), Minkah-Premo emphasised the need for a comprehensive strategy to tackle such disparities.
She highlighted entrenched social beliefs and customs that perpetuate a patriarchal system in which, often, men are viewed as natural leaders and women are marginalised, excluded from leadership roles.
“We live in a patriarchal system that places men at the headship, sidelining women. There’s a tendency to push women aside and ensure that leadership is held by men. We need to work towards addressing this,” she said.
Sensitised
The lawyer pointed out that one of the schedules of the new law outlines strategies to address such sociocultural challenges.
She stressed the importance of education and sensitisation to change mindsets and promote equal opportunities for men and women.
“It calls on schools, right from when our children are younger, to start sensitising them that both boys and girls can achieve as much as possible,” she said.
Minkah-Premo further remarked on the role of religious beliefs in reinforcing gender roles.
She cited the historical reluctance in some leading Protestant churches to ordain women as priests, reflecting broader social attitudes towards leadership by women.
“A lot of advocacy and sensitisation still need to happen to change mindsets,” she said.
Reporting by Caleb Ahinakwah in Accra
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