By Rita Adu BOATENG
Women’s empowerment is no longer a peripheral issue—it’s at the heart of discussions about economic growth, political stability, and social transformation worldwide.
As we move deeper into the 21st century, it is clear that the empowerment of women is not merely an idealistic goal, but a necessary driver of national development. In Ghana, a country at the crossroads of tradition and modernity, the question is not just *why* empower women, but *how* can we leverage their full potential to propel the nation towards prosperity, equity, and sustainable progress?
From rural farms to corporate boardrooms, from the classrooms to political offices, women are central to Ghana’s economic and social landscape. Yet, despite their pivotal role, the potential of women has often been underutilized due to systemic barriers, outdated cultural norms, and limited opportunities for advancement.
By intentionally investing in women’s education, economic opportunities, and leadership, Ghana can unlock a powerful resource for national transformation. Empowering women is not just a moral imperative, but a strategic decision that will determine the country’s trajectory in the coming decades.
Economic impact: harnessing the potential of Ghanaian women
Women are the backbone of many economies, and in Ghana, they play a critical role in driving both local and national development. Women contribute significantly to the agricultural sector, where they form the majority of the workforce, especially in smallholder farming.
According to the World Bank, Ghanaian women account for around 60percent of agricultural labor, and their efforts in food production are essential for the country’s food security and rural livelihoods. In addition, women are key players in small-scale businesses, the informal sector, and trade, all of which contribute to the country’s GDP.
However, the economic potential of women in Ghana has been constrained by several factors, including limited access to financial resources, land ownership, and technology. Closing these gaps is essential for empowering women economically.
By providing women with access to capital, education, and modern farming tools, we can unleash their full potential. When women are able to access the resources they need to grow their businesses and improve their livelihoods, they not only uplift their families but also contribute to the broader national economy.
Political leadership: ensuring women’s voice in decision-making
One of the most powerful ways women can contribute to national development is through leadership. In Ghana, while there has been a slow but steady increase in women’s participation in politics, they are still underrepresented in key decision-making roles.
The 2024 general elections saw an increase in women’s political participation, with more women securing parliamentary seats, but they still make up only about 14.8percent of the total seats in Parliament. For a country that aspires to achieve true national development, this disparity cannot be ignored.
Political empowerment for women is about more than just participation—it is about ensuring that women have a seat at the table when critical decisions are being made. Women in leadership bring diverse perspectives and can drive policies that address issues such as gender-based violence, healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation. In Ghana, having more women in political positions would mean stronger advocacy for policies that support women’s rights and foster more inclusive growth.
Encouraging political parties to actively support and fund women candidates is a necessary step towards increasing women’s representation in government. Additionally, there should be a concerted effort to mentor and empower women to take on leadership roles at every level of government—from local councils to national leadership.
Education: the foundation of empowerment
Education is a cornerstone of women’s empowerment and national development. In Ghana, progress has been made in ensuring that more girls are enrolled in schools, with the introduction of free basic education and government-led scholarship programs for girls. Yet, challenges remain. Girls in rural areas are often left behind due to early marriage, teen pregnancy, and societal norms that prioritize boys’ education over girls’.
Educating girls is one of the most impactful ways to break the cycle of poverty and ensure sustainable development. According to the World Bank, each additional year of schooling for a girl increases her earnings by 10-20percent and significantly improves the chances that her children will also be educated. Educated women are not only more likely to enter the workforce but also to invest in their families and communities, creating a ripple effect that benefits society as a whole.
In Ghana, it is imperative to ensure that the education system is accessible to all girls, especially in rural areas. This means providing scholarships, building schools, and tackling gender stereotypes that hinder girls’ pursuit of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields, where women are still underrepresented. By investing in girls’ education, Ghana will create a well-equipped, innovative workforce capable of competing in the global economy.
Breaking cultural barriers: shifting attitudes towards gender equality
While policies and programs are critical, women’s empowerment in Ghana can only be fully realized when societal attitudes shift toward recognizing women as equal partners in development. Deep-seated cultural beliefs often limit women’s roles to traditional and domestic spheres, and harmful practices such as child marriage, female genital mutilation, and domestic violence continue to hold back the progress of women.
The rise of women in leadership, whether in politics, business, or civil society, challenges these outdated cultural norms and proves that women can succeed in any field they choose. Media campaigns, education programs, and advocacy groups must continue to challenge stereotypes and promote the benefits of gender equality for everyone, not just women.
Additionally, addressing gender-based violence (GBV) is crucial for creating a society where women feel safe and empowered. Despite legal frameworks to protect women, the prevalence of GBV remains a significant challenge in Ghana. A national effort to tackle violence against women through better law enforcement, public education, and support systems for victims is essential in ensuring women can thrive without fear of abuse or discrimination.
Conclusion: empowering women for Ghana’s future
Women’s empowerment is not just a moral obligation—it is a strategic imperative for national development. By empowering women in Ghana through access to education, economic opportunities, political representation, and social protection, we can unlock the full potential of the nation. Empowered women are not only the key to a better future for themselves and their families, but they are the catalysts for national transformation.
As we move forward, it is critical that both the government and civil society continue to prioritize policies and programs that empower women. A thriving, prosperous Ghana is one where women are equally represented, economically independent, and given the freedom to lead. When women are empowered, the entire nation thrives.
In Ghana and beyond, empowering women is not just about gender equality—it’s about creating a brighter, more sustainable future for all. By harnessing the full potential of women, we can build a Ghana that is truly inclusive, resilient, and positioned for long-term growth and success.
>>>the writer is a business executive with over 17 years of professional experience in Marketing, Communication and Customer Experience across FMCG, Oil and Gas and Financial Services Sector. She is the founder of Chalom Hights, a not-for-profit foundation focused on empowering female professional to achieve their full potentials and goals. She is currently the business executive for Marketing and Customer Experience for Old Mutual Ghana. She can be reached via [email protected]
