The Erudite Women's Empowerment Foundation has launched the Media for Equality campaign, a gender-transformative advocacy initiative aimed at challenging the social norms, stereotypes and structural barriers that limit women's leadership and political participation in Ghana.
The campaign was organised under the UN Women WYDE Women's Leadership Programme, with the foundation serving as a grantee of UN Women, with funding from the European Union.
As part of the implementation of the women's political participation and social norms change in Ghana project, the foundation will champion female leadership by empowering 150 young women to pursue leadership roles in the Asante Akim Central, Asante Akim South and Asante Akim North municipalities.
The campaign seeks to challenge harmful social norms, amplify women's voices and mobilise public support for increased participation of women, particularly young women, in leadership and decision-making as Ghana prepares for the 2027 District Assembly elections.
Legal commitments
In a statement issued at the launch, the foundation noted that Ghana had made important legal and policy commitments to gender equality, including the Affirmative Action Act, 2024, which seeks to address gender imbalances across political, social, economic, educational and cultural spheres.
It said responses from an interview conducted among 31 community members in Juansa in the Asante Akim North municipality revealed persistent social barriers, lack of family support, distrust of women as decision-makers and the perception that leadership is a man's role, among others.
The statement added that the campaign sought to move the conversation beyond telling women to be confident and step forward, saying "women must be empowered but the environment around them must also change".
Media as core agent
It said the WYDE women's leadership strategy on social norms change recognised the power of the media, including radio, social media and other creative approaches, to reshape dominant narratives about women's abilities.
"Further, it warned that while balanced media coverage can amplify women's voices and inspire future leaders, biased reporting can stereotype or trivialise women in politics.
"We, therefore, [urge] media practitioners and owners to see themselves as partners in social transformation. The media can reinforce the belief that leadership belongs to men or it can help build a new norm in which women's leadership is visible, respected and expected," it noted.
Strengthen capacities
Speaking in an interview with the media, the Executive Director of the foundation, Ohenewaa Constance Ankoma, said the foundation would strengthen the capacities of women in all aspects of leadership.
This, she said, was to ensure that they were well-positioned to take up opportunities that may arise, stressing "women must have the wherewithal to be able to step forward to take up leadership roles".
Show competence
While urging women to believe and have confidence in themselves, she said "it is equally important for them to garner the support of their families and communities as well".
"We are advocating for women to take leadership positions but we are also looking for competent women who show up and perform their task effectively. That way they pave the way for themselves and others in future," she said.
