NPP Women’s Organizer Decries Limited Opportunities for Women in Governance
Aovare pointed to entrenched societal norms and structural challenges that continue to hinder the advancement of women in politics and leadership.
Ophelia Aovare, the Women’s Organizer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Navrongo Central Constituency, has expressed deep concern over the persistent barriers limiting women’s participation in governance in Ghana, calling the situation discouraging and deeply unjust.
Speaking on the Big Mike Breakfast Show on Wednesday, May 7, Aovare pointed to entrenched societal norms and structural challenges that continue to hinder the advancement of women in politics and leadership.
“Societal norms, socio-cultural factors, discrimination, and stereotyping are some of the challenges women face,” she said. “It is very difficult for women to grow in the political dispensation.”
Aovare stressed that these obstacles threaten ongoing efforts to promote gender inclusion in governance and called for more deliberate interventions from government and political institutions to bridge the gap.
Drawing on international examples, she cited Rwanda’s Affirmative Action Law—which mandates 40% female representation in parliament—as a model for Ghana to emulate.
To increase women’s representation in politics, Aovare proposed a series of strategic support measures including:
- Capacity building programs tailored to aspiring female leaders
- Special motivation packages for women entering politics
- A national campaign to discourage cultural practices that marginalize women
She further made a strong call to action: “The time has come for a national conversation backed by policy and action to empower more women to take part in governance.”
Her comments add to the growing chorus of voices, including that of the Young Urban Women Movement, across political and civil society calling for urgent reforms to support women’s leadership and participation in public life.
Mike 105.3 FM | Navrongo | David Adapuna
