Women and Girls’ Civic Empowerment for Inclusive Leadership and Democracy
At the Human Rights Advocacy Centre (HRAC), we believe that a thriving democracy is the cornerstone of societal progress. Yet, the 2021 Democracy Report by The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) presents a sobering reality. Across sub-Saharan Africa, democracy scores have seen a steady decline, dropping from 4.16 to 4.12. Ghana, once heralded as a beacon of democratic governance in the region, is now classified as a flawed democracy with a rating of 6.5. This underscores the urgency for deliberate interventions to restore and enhance democratic principles.
Rationale and Context
Democracy in Ghana faces unique challenges, including uneven voter participation and systemic underrepresentation of marginalized groups. The voter turnout disparities in regions like Oti, Northern, Northeast, and Savannah highlight the need for equitable civic engagement. Additionally, persons with disabilities—numbering approximately five million—are alarmingly underrepresented, with only 64,966 registered voters in the 2020 elections. These gaps compromise the democratic process and marginalize significant segments of the population.
Furthermore, women and girls, often excluded from leadership and governance roles, remain a critical focus. Recognizing their potential as transformative agents of change, HRAC is committed to fostering their agency and leadership capacity. A strong and inclusive democracy in Ghana is not only essential for its citizens but also serves as an inspiration for neighboring nations, promoting stability and prosperity across the region.
Our Approach: Building Inclusive Leadership
HRAC’s 6-month initiative, Women and Girls’ Civic Empowerment for Inclusive Leadership and Democracy, seeks to empower young women and girls in the Oti and Northern regions. By equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary for active civic participation, we aim to inspire a generation of leaders who champion democratic values and inclusivity.
Our approach combines education, advocacy, and community engagement. Through dynamic workshops led by seasoned experts, participants will explore themes such as democracy, human rights, leadership, personal development, and cultural awareness. Educational materials, including factsheets with voter turnout statistics and leadership representation data, will form the backbone of a robust curriculum designed for long-term use.
To ensure inclusivity, the project prioritizes accessibility. Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWD) will receive tailored materials, including audio-visual content and sign language interpretation, ensuring their active participation.
Community Engagement and Collaboration
Community involvement is central to the project’s success. In each region, two radio engagements and two interactive workshops will be held, bringing together key stakeholders—opposition leaders, party representatives, religious figures, and law enforcement officials. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, we aim to bridge gaps and build a unified commitment to democratic principles.
Project Objectives and Expected Impact
The overarching goal is to reduce inequalities in democratic participation and promote gender-responsive education and leadership. Specific objectives include:
- Enhancing Knowledge: Increase awareness and understanding of democratic principles among students, with a focus on young women and girls.
- Empowering Leadership: Equip young girls with the skills and confidence to assume leadership roles.
- Promoting Inclusivity: Foster democratic decision-making within student bodies through student-led initiatives.
- Encouraging Expression: Support the development of informed and confident individual expression.
- Ensuring Sustainability: Establish mechanisms for the project’s long-term impact.
Implementation Plan
Our strategy involves a dual focus: empowering young women and girls while engaging traditional, religious, and community leaders to advocate for inclusive decision-making. Workshops and student-led initiatives will serve as incubators for leadership skills, encouraging participants to actively contribute to their communities.
Media platforms will amplify the project’s reach, with continuous engagement through radio discussions and social media campaigns. Additionally, emphasis will be placed on advocating for the Affirmative Action Law, underscoring its importance in achieving gender equity at all levels of governance.
Laying the Foundation for Sustained Impact
A core component of this initiative is the development of a community-owned curriculum. Designed for adaptability and independence, this resource will empower communities to continue fostering democratic values and leadership long after the project’s conclusion.
At HRAC, we are committed to championing inclusive governance and empowering the next generation of leaders. Through this initiative, we aim to bridge gaps, challenge inequities, and inspire a more inclusive and resilient democratic society in Ghana. Together, we can pave the way for a brighter future, where every voice is heard, and every individual has the opportunity to lead.