Despite notable progress in women’s empowerment, meaningful participation of women in leadership and governance in Ghana remains limited. Structural inequalities, cultural expectations, financial barriers, and tokenism continue to inhibit women from fully engaging in decision-making processes.
Speaking on A1 Radio’s Equal Voices programme on November 30, 2025, Hajia Jaw-Haratu Amadu, Head of Programmes at RISE Ghana, stressed the urgency of creating genuine opportunities for women to lead. “No society can truly advance if women are excluded from decision-making. Their contributions are not symbolic; they are essential for progress,” she said.
Women face a range of obstacles in pursuing leadership roles, especially in politics. Financial constraints remain one of the biggest deterrents. While political and leadership ambitions demand substantial resources, many women’s earnings are stretched across household responsibilities, childcare, and community obligations. Men often have more financial flexibility, putting women at a structural disadvantage.
Time is another major barrier. Women frequently shoulder unpaid domestic and caregiving duties in addition to their professional work, leaving little time to participate in political activities or governance responsibilities. Hajia Amadu noted that the problem is not a lack of talent but the structural burdens women carry every day.
Tokenism also continues to weaken women’s representation. Women are sometimes added to committees or leadership teams as an afterthought rather than for their skills or perspectives. “Sometimes, after all the names are listed, someone realizes, ‘Oh, there is no woman—let’s add one,’” she said. Such gestures, she added, do little to empower women or improve decision-making outcomes.
Research consistently shows that women’s leadership enhances governance. Hajia Amadu said women bring balance, empathy, attention to detail and fresh perspectives that complement those of men. Even a single woman in a decision-making space can serve as a “second eye,” identifying gaps or concerns that others may overlook. “We need their voices at every level of decision-making because they bring balance and insight that improve outcomes for everyone,” she said.
RISE Ghana is working to strengthen women’s leadership through mentorship programmes, capacity-building initiatives and advocacy for policy reforms that reduce structural and financial barriers. The organization also works to challenge harmful gender norms and supports integrated programming that links women’s rights with governance, child protection, health, WASH and natural resource management.
But progress remains slow. “Sometimes it feels like one step forward and two steps back,” Hajia Amadu said. “Women may gain positions of leadership, but without structural support, financial backing and societal recognition, their influence is limited.”
She called on policymakers, civil society and communities to create long-term solutions that address the root causes of exclusion and allow women to contribute meaningfully to national development.
“Women’s voices are critical for national development, community progress and social equity. Tokenism will not advance our communities—meaningful inclusion will,” she said.
RISE Ghana continues to push for a future where Ghanaian women are not only represented in leadership roles but are fully empowered to shape the direction of their communities and the country.
Source: a1radioonline.com|101.1|Mhz|Keziah Porepaya Nsoh|Bolgatanga
