In a previous article, I discussed the New Patriotic Party’s apparent neglect of female expertise and leadership within the party, as revealed by the composition of the Party’s campaign team. Various perspectives on the sentiments expressed in the article have heightened the sensitivity of the matter.
While Dr. Bawumia and the Party leadership have the prerogative to choose individuals for both their campaign and manifesto teams, and a running mate, concerns arise from the Party’s lack of enthusiasm in appointing a significant number of women to leadership roles. This insensitivity towards women warrants attention from gender activists.
Analysing the Party’s approach to women’s involvement reveals a dated perception, where women are seen as merely contributing to numbers rather than valued for the wealth of experiences they bring. This outdated notion has been debunked even in regions where religious teachings might discourage women in leadership roles. Examples from Muslim-majority countries such as Iran, Indonesia, and Pakistan show instances where women have held prominent leadership positions. For instance, Megawati Sukarnoputri served as Indonesia’s Vice President from 1999 to 2001, and later became the President of the country.
Similarly, from 1988 to 1990 and 1993 to 1996, Benazir Bhutto served as Pakistan’s Prime Minister.
Contrary to the belief that Islamic teachings strictly bar women from leadership, examples like Masoumeh Ebtekar, who served as Iran’s Vice President for Women and Family Affairs from 1997 to 2005, challenge this conviction.
In light of Ghana’s prevailing higher female population, addressing and dismantling the existing norms that limit female leadership becomes essential.
The NPP would be misguided to underestimate the influence of women in contemporary human affairs. The Party’s hesitation to include a greater number of women in the presidential campaign committee suggests a potential gender imbalance in its future government.
Dr. Bawumia, the leader and the Presidential Candidate of the Party, still has an opportunity to proactively address any impending backlash by considering women for key roles, including a consideration of a woman as his running mate.
Joseph Kwadwo Danquah
PhD, MSc, BSc (Hons), FHEA
Assistant Professor of Human Capital Development, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship.
Programme Leader – BSc HRM
University of Bradford , UK
