Ghana Passed A Law Ensuring Women Hold 30% Of Decision-Making Roles In All Public Jobs
The law, which was first introduced in 1998 and finally passed after nearly 30 years on Sep. 19, will also ban gender-based discrimination, including verbal abuse, as well as stereotyping, discriminating or disqualifying candidates based on their gender.
Ghana has passed a law to ensure women hold 30% of decision-making roles in all public jobs.
That number will then go up to 50% by 2030.
The law, which was first introduced in 1998 and finally passed after nearly 30 years on Sep. 19, will also ban gender-based discrimination, including verbal abuse, as well as stereotyping, discriminating or disqualifying candidates based on their gender.
People who violate the law could face fines or jail terms of six to 12 months.
In addition, the law requires government ministries and agencies to dedicate a budget to address issues that specifically affect women.
While the law is for public jobs, private sector companies that meet the gender balance target will be able to receive tax benefits.
Currently, women make up less than 15% of Ghana’s parliament.
Women’s rights groups have welcomed the new law as a step towards achieving gender equality, but are still concerned about how the law will be enforced.
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