Stakeholders are discussing the need to strive towards a more inclusive, egalitarian, and democratic society in their various nations at a West Africa Young Women in Politics (WAYWIP) event.
In order to stop the tide of democratic backsliding, the two-day event gave the stakeholders a forum to examine the role women play in supporting and safeguarding democracy.
To explore democracy in the sub-region and its impact on women, the meeting brought together politicians and social activists from West African nations like Liberia, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Gambia, and Sierra Leone.
It was held on Tuesday in Accra and sponsored by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and coordinated by the Gender Centre for Empowering Development (GenCED).
"The Role of Women in Stemming the Tide of Democratic Backsliding in West Africa" was the subject of the conference.
Politics among women
Even though they had ratified the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Good Governance and Democracy, which stipulates that nations should have two term limits, some ECOWAS member countries were reversing course in promoting democracy, according to Esther Tawiah, Executive Director of the Gender Centre for Empowering Development (GenCED).
She remarked, "We now see nations regressing and changing their constitutions to allow their presidents to serve a third term."
She did, however, applaud Burkina Faso for having progressive election legislation and progressive state financing that allow the country to encourage female candidates.
She also praised Sierra Leone for being a pioneer in including women in politics and government.
"We are grateful for Sierra Leone's new Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment Act, which requires political parties to ensure that women make up 30% of their list of candidates.
Parties who submit their list without fulfilling the requirements will be categorically rejected.
This is excellent news; we must improve democracy and broaden its appeal, she remarked.
Barriers
Faustina Acheampong, Director of the Department of Gender at the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, said in a speech read on her behalf that women have made significant changes to political and social movements.
She claimed that despite playing such a large role, women still encountered certain obstacles when trying to get involved in politics and government.
Women are frequently prevented from holding leadership roles or participating actively in decision-making processes because of gender-based violence, discrimination, and patriarchal standards, according to the speaker.
According to her, it's critical to both empower women and foster an environment that encourages their involvement in politics and government.
Serigne Ka, the interim director of democracy, good governance, and human rights at the ECOWAS Directorate of Political Affairs, reaffirmed ECOWAS' commitment to fostering inclusivity in the subregion.
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