A new initiative has been launched in Ghana to boost young women’s participation in politics and challenge deep-rooted social norms that limit their involvement in leadership and decision-making.
The project, titled “Advancing Young Women’s Political Participation and Social Norms Change in Ghana,” is being implemented by the Erudite Women’s Empowerment Foundation in partnership with Plan International Ghana and the National Youth Authority. It is supported by the European Union through UN Women and will run for 18 months across the Asante Akim North, Central and South Municipalities.
The programme targets about 150 young women, including persons with disabilities and those in the informal sector, with a focus on leadership training, mentorship and political empowerment.
Speaking after a coordination and field monitoring visit in Agogo in the Asante Akim North Municipal District, Executive Director of EWEF, Mrs. Constance Ohenewaa Ankoma, said the project builds on the success of the earlier “She Leads” initiative, which enabled some beneficiaries to contest local political positions.
She explained that the new phase goes beyond capacity building to actively connect young women to political opportunities while addressing harmful cultural norms that discourage female leadership.
According to her, the programme is built on three key pillars: transforming social norms, strengthening leadership capacity, and increasing political participation among young women.
Activities will include leadership boot camps, training sessions for women in politics, community dialogues with traditional leaders, and media campaigns aimed at promoting gender equality.
The project will also establish mentorship networks linking emerging female leaders with experienced women in politics, academia and civil society to create a long-term leadership pipeline.
Mrs. Ankoma called for stronger collaboration among traditional authorities, policymakers, youth groups and the media to expand opportunities for women in governance and ensure more inclusive decision-making at all levels.
