Foundation Engages Stakeholders on GESI in Election 2024.

According to Ghana News Agency:ccording to Ghana News Agency, the purpose of the event was to create a platform for stakeholders, including traditional leaders and representatives of various political parties, to address key GESI issues as the 2024 election approached. The discussions focused on initiatives to ensure an inclusive and peaceful election, as well as accessibility and protective measures for vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and marginalised communities during the election. The stakeholders also reviewed a draft election monitoring checklist for NETRIGHT's trained election observers for the 2024 election. Speaking at the meeting in Wa, Ms. Sarah Signaah Adams, the Executive Director of NCF, highlighted the necessity of gender-responsive governance for sustainable development, especially at rural levels. Ms. Adams pointed out that despite the importance of women's participation in governance, barriers such as cultural norms, biases, limited access to education and resources, as well as violence and harassment in the political space, hinder their active participation. She explained that gender-responsive governance promotes equality through policy reforms such as equal access to land, education, and economic opportunities, advancing Sustainable Development Goals like SDG 5 on gender equality. She called on stakeholders, including civil society, political parties, and the international community, to collaborate in creating an inclusive democratic system in Ghana. Ms. Adams also advocated for inclusive policies, support for women in politics, and ensuring gender equality becomes a priority for all. Mr. Nurideen Mumuni, the Wa Municipal Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), stated that the NCCE has been fulfilling its mandate of promoting democratic governance through public education on democratic principles. He added that the NCCE has been actively engaging and encouraging women's participation in politics, particularly at the lo cal government level. Mr. Osman Ali, the Upper West Regional Director of the Electoral Commission (EC), indicated that the EC has implemented measures to ensure polling stations are accessible to all, including PWDs. He urged women to participate in the elections by picking nomination forms from district to national levels and appealed to the public to support women candidates to fairly represent their interests in governance.