C/R Gender department lauds female MPs
The Department of Gender in the Central Region has lauded the six newly elected female Members of Parliament (MPs) for their resilience and determination that won them the seat.
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Out of the 23 seats in the region, six female MPs were elected in the recent election, representing 26 per cent female representation in the region as against 17.4 per cent in the last Parliament.
They are, Ms Barbara Asher Ayisi, Cape Coast South; Ms Abena Durowaa Mensah, Assin North; Ms Mavis Hawa Koomson, Awutu Senya East, and Ms Cynthia Mamle Morrison, Agona West.
The rest are Ms Queenstar Pokua Sawyerr, Agona East and Naana Eyiah, Gomoa Central.
The Central Regional Director of the department, Mrs Thywill Kpe, told the Daily Graphic, “although this is the highest representation of women in Parliament in the region since the country’s return to democracy in 1992, there is still room for increased women participation in the region considering the country’s 52.5 per cent female population.”
In 1992, only one female was elected, representing 5.9 per cent in the 17 constituencies in the region. In 1996 and 2000, four females were elected in the 17 constituencies, representing 23.5 per cent.
Drop in numbers
The number of female representatives dropped to two in 2004 when the number of constituencies was increased to 19, showing a percentage level of 10.5.
The number further decreased to one in 2008, showing 5.2 per cent and then increased to four in 2012 when the number of constituencies was increased to 23.
Mrs Kpe said she was of the view that if the Affirmative Action Bill was passed into law, female representation from the region and nationwide in Parliament and other decision-making positions would increase in the near future.
She said the Bill, which had been approved by Cabinet and was awaiting parliamentary approval and passage into law, would ensure at least 40 per cent participation of women in decision making at all levels.
She expressed the hope that the female parliamentarians would represent a strong voice for the passage of the Affirmative Action Bill and other gender-related bills, including the revised Intestate Succession and the Property Rights of Spouses bills into law to advance the rights and empowerment of women in the country.
“We are aware of the serious challenges some female aspirants had to go through, including name calling, limited financial resources, family responsibilities, but you surmounted them and came out victorious and, therefore, the department salutes you all,” she said.
Mrs Kpe expressed delight at the roles of the people of the region, the media and all stakeholders in campaigning for the election of more women into Parliament, stressing, “we look forward to a greater collaboration with all stakeholders, including our newly elected parliamentarians.”
