When we talk about equal representation, it’s crucial to recognize that it goes beyond women asking for equalization or equity; it embodies a deep-seated need for societal transformation.

Earlier today, I interacted with some learners of Basic School 4. I was filled with much satisfaction and pride to provide them with a nearly equal representation of leadership through the examples of Her Excellency Prof. Jane Naana Opoku Agyeman and His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama.

As an educator, I understand the importance of providing relatable examples to explain complex concepts in pedagogy. During the discussion, I asked a question, “Who would love to have the opportunity to speak to all Ghanaians one day, as the President does?” A girl raised up her hand and, typical of Basic 4 learners, the entire class burst out laughing at her for desiring to emulate a male leader. However, this moment became a teaching opportunity, allowing me to talk to them about the first-ever female vice president of Ghana.

The joy I felt in doing this was unmatched. I felt both fulfilled and proud as a Ghanaian, that in the 2024 elections, our country, by voting for the current president, also voted for the first ever woman vice president. Immediately also, I remembered with pride that the previous government passed into law the Affirmative Action Bill, a long-awaited legislative achievement that promotes gender equity. What better time to be a proud Ghanaian woman!

For some months now, I have been involved in producing Radio Univers’s Research and Innovation Agenda, the station’s flagship program that puts the spotlight on research findings of the University of Ghana’s faculty. Sometime last week, it struck me deeply when my boss, the program host, raised a possibility of rescheduling the next interview which is to feature the only woman, at least, since November. I remember sending him a message to subtly express my disappointment about the possible postponement; “We were going to host our first female interviewee on RIA next week”, with the hope that he will consider making room for the interview in the coming week.

I was overjoyed when eventually, we reversed the decision even before informing the esteemed professor that we were considering a postponement. My apprehensions stemmed from the reality that securing female representation for public appearances can be challenging. The possibility of postponing the interview could have jeopardized our chance to feature this remarkable scholar and losing her meant that for the entire period, we did not feature a woman in the series. I definitely didn’t want that.

My point is, as gender parity advocates, we can pat each other’s back, for the efforts and victories around achieving gender parity, even though, like Oliver Twist, we still want more.

I was thrilled to have had the opportunity to tell that young girl that yes, it is indeed possible for her to one day address the entire nation as the president, because she would not be doing the unthinkable, neither would she be doing the impossible. Why? Because, there is now Her Excellency Prof Jane Naana Opoku Agyeman to inspire her. We need more figures like her to motivate our young girls.

Let us give the girl child the opportunities she deserves, and watch her do the magic. Gender parity is not just a goal; it is a necessity for our collective future.