The absence of female candidates from the Upper East Region in the recently concluded Council of State elections has sparked widespread debate, with many expressing concerns over the low representation of women in high political offices. Questions have arisen as to whether women are being denied the opportunity or if they are simply not interested in participating in such leadership roles.
Speaking during an interview on A1 Radio, Dr. Mary-Magdalene Pedavoah, a senior lecturer at CKT-UTAS, stressed that while women are aware of the challenges, achieving greater representation in such positions will take time and significant effort. She highlighted the struggle for women to balance family responsibilities with demanding careers, noting that very few have successfully navigated this delicate combination.
“It’s not as if we don’t know. We know, but it’s going to take a very long time for us to really get there,” she said. “I don’t know if you really follow the stories of achievers, but very few of them are able to blend family and work. You may end up excelling in one and leaving the other behind.”
Dr. Pedavoah also pointed out that many women are simply not adequately prepared for these elections, underscoring the need for training and support. She suggested that institutions must take proactive steps in grooming women for political and leadership roles by providing the necessary training and mentorship. Dr. Pedavoah emphasized the importance of having role models who can inspire other women by sharing their experiences.
“Institutions need to be intentional. Train them, teach them what they need, maybe over the next four years. Just groom them towards it,” she said. “We need role models—people who have been through it to tell their stories. Our stories may not be different, so if you tell your story, you encourage another woman.”
Dr. Pedavoah also acknowledged that work-life balance continues to be a major hurdle for many women, preventing them from pursuing or succeeding in high-profile careers. She urged that workplaces should be more accommodating, including offering flexible work arrangements and allowing individuals to work remotely. This, she believes, would provide women with the freedom to contribute to leadership roles while managing family and personal responsibilities.
Dr. Pedavoah also called for more openness from male counterparts, urging men to understand the unique challenges women face and offer their support. She added that women cannot succeed in these areas alone and that a collaborative effort is essential to creating a more equitable society.
“Things will get better if we are forceful enough. We should tell our stories and let the men appreciate it. We can’t do it all by ourselves,” she said. “It is critical that we push, but we should let the men understand our situation.”
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Gifty Eyram Kudiabor|Bolgatanga
