Women’s rights are the freedom to participate fully in society and governance. As the SDGs goal 5 spells out the need for gender equality, women’s involvement in politics is paramount to economic growth and development. The Youth are also those persons between the ages of 18 to 35 of which young women are a part of. When discussing the importance of women and youth in politics, one cannot forgo the need for role models to empower others through education and media sensitization.

Introduction

On 30th July, history was made as the Affirmative Action Bill was passed in the Parliament of Ghana. Currently, the state of the bill is that it has been passed into law after the president’s signature. The Act will among other things ensure that a critical number of women hold key positions in governance, public life, and decision-making spaces, thereby improving the lives of women in the country.

With regards the youth, our campuses are filled with student politicians who find it difficult rising through the ranks in regional and national elections. Most youth forum and conferences have enthusiastic youth leaders participating innovative solutions to problems and yet do not find themselves in mainstream decision making processes. They face the challenge of been represented in parliament due to age and monetary gaps.

Issues of finance

Women and youth are usually lacking on funding when it comes to politics. They usually have to fall out of the race due to the large demands from electorates, who fall on political figures for their needs, which includes, school fees, rent money, healthcare needs and so on. When it comes to monetization of politics, this groups of people also need to declare their sources of funds for electoral processes. The Electoral Commission should therefore make exclusions for women and youth who show interest in participation, for example, by reducing filing fees to help increase the numbers.

Marginalization of women

Less women risk their lives for politics because they have home management responsibilities and a deep sense of security for those around them. Although most women are sidelined right from their workplaces, which breaks their confidence, law enforcers argue that women are sometimes being begged to come into politics. Generally, the society seems to be hostile towards women who show interest in politics.

Conclusion

Issues of unexplained wealth, unemployment, campaign financing, security threats, high level of illiteracy, lack of transparency and accountability on the part of political aspirants, are some of the major challenges that women and youth face in their quest for participating in politics.

The ECOWAS Youth Policy and Strategic Plan, WANEP Youth4Peace, African Union Agenda 2063, UN Agenda 2030, SDGs Goal 5, are all available instruments that support women and youth participation in politics.

However, various techniques need to be in play to support the achievement of the goals of these various organizations. Some of these techniques and strategies may include, the establishment of the Ghana integrity initiative, peer to peer fundraising, donor support and engagement, as well as social media campaigns where these focus groups can be well engaged to help them register their interest in politics.