A former Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Otiko Afisa Djaba has called on the Ministry of Gender to empower women's rights by investing more money into the Affirmative Action Bill.

Addressing this crucial need in a yet-to-be-released episode of GhanaWeb TV's Election Desk, she criticised the poor enforcement of the many laws and protocols the country has signed from the United Nations.

Dr Otiko Djaba stated that the ministry needs to allocate a budget instead of always verbally addressing gender-related problems in the country.

"Empower the Affirmative Action Bill by putting money putting up a budget. The Ministry of Gender, the budget is peanuts and yet there are so many problems that need funding. And so we need as a people to ensure gender-responsive budgeting and when that is there, the DCE/MCE should not use the money for gender for item 13." It is for gender matters."

The former minister also emphasised the need for a well-resourced social welfare in the country to curb child marriages, and ensure the girl child stays in school.

"When we say that every child must be in school, social welfare must be well resourced to ensure that no girl is left out or being betrothed at 16 by some traditional god or whatever. These are serious times and we must be serious by ensuring the empowerment of women.

"The time has come to hit the road, to be on the ground and the women themselves, with the men must take action. We have talked plenty, it’s time for action."

Dr Djaba also stressed on the negative effects of gender roles and how they affect women. She said male children should be allowed in the kitchen and girl children allowed to chase their careers as well.

See the video below:


SS/ ADG