Women and Electoral Politics: A Ghana Connect Debate based on Afrobarometer Data

Screenshot 2014-04-03 22.38.23This evening, I have been invited to JoyFM’s debate program Ghana Connect (on air 6.30PM on 99.7) to discuss women and electoral politics on the basis of a new report Afrobarometer has come out with: “Support for African Women’s Equality Rises: education, jobs & political participation still unequal”. The report suggests African women are less likely to get involved in politics on all levels from registering to vote, voting,  contacting a politician or running for office.

Now this is to be discussed. And I have so much to say!

Ultimately, I feel this is about if we believe women are as capable for leadership as men (Afrobarometer also asked about that and 68% of the 50 000 Africans in 34 countries agreed). If we believe so, it is a waste of resources to not use women for leadership, because that means we will get stuck with less than capable men if we allow only men to lead.

For instance right now in Ghana, only a little under 11% of parliamentarians are women (30 out of 275), that means we have 89% men, many of who I am sure are capable, but we do not have the most capable Ghanaians in there as we have “locked out 40% of women interested in the job! (shocking and interesting data on gender (im)balance in national parliaments on p. 14-16 here (PDF))

And women are interested in the job. But in link with what the Afrobarometer says, women are discriminated against.

“Women also face widespread discrimination as they go about their daily lives. Four in ten Africans (40%) say women are ‘often’ or ‘always’ treated unfairly by employers. A similar number (41%) say traditional leaders hand down unfair treatment, and one in three (33%) say the police and courts do not treat women equally.” (Executive summary, Afrobarometer)

A Ghanaian example: a woman I met who wanted run for one of Ghana’s major parties in the last election was asked suggestively by possible party backers “do you you have a boyfriend”? and “what can you do for us?” She felt that if she did not date some of these party members OR give them promises of contracts in advance, they would not back her. She was right.

As a Swede, I can also share the case of Swedish women in electoral politics.  After gaining the right to vote in 1919 and employing it in national elections for the first time in 1921, women in politics was still a marginal occurrence. The women’s movement targeted training for women and made slow gains over the years. Eventually, after a disastrous election for women in 1991 (72 years after women were given the right to vote), the party led reform (note: not a law!) “varannan damernas” or “every other for ladies” was initiated by the leading party that made sure to nominate every other man, every other women on their primary lists on all levels. That system took root and now puts Sweden fourth in the list of gender balanced parliaments at 44,7% (156 of 349 seats). Can this slow route be recommended?

Rwanda is at the top of the list with a law backed quota system coupled with a  post was situation that has created the only female dominated parliament in the world where 63,8% of parliamentarians are women (52 of 80 seats). Andorra shows exactly 50% and Cuba 48,9%. The world average is 20,4%.

Ghana has a very proud past with universal suffrage (voting rightboth for men and women) that was simultaneusly launched with voting rights both for men and women in 1951 – few countries in the world have that history! Also traditional rule in Ghana has an interesting role carved out for women and their representative the Queen Mother. Gender balance in parliament has recently unfortunately gone backwards and now affirmative action is on the table.

I am looking forward to learn more about the proposed law from the Minister of Gender who will be represented in the debate.

Photo Credit: GhanaDecides

 

 

Continue Reading

You may also like

Ghanaian Students in Ukraine: Some Facts and Some Questions

Screenshot 2014-03-23 21.56.42In my  research, two times I came across students mentioning Ukrainian recruitment efforts of Ghanaian students. With the political developments unfolding as the focus groups progressed, the image of Ghanaians in Ukraine have burned into my mind.

When doing some online searches, I found this 2013 article about Ghanaian students being offered to study medicine there. Also, I sat down with MacJordan Degadjor, a friend who studied Management Information Systems in Ukraine 2003-06. His story was interesting and grim.

I went to do a MIS , yes a Bachelors, in Kharkov in Ukraine. I was there 2003-2006, I think.  There are a lot of Ghanaians over there…It all started with Kwame Nkrumah’s scholarships and many Ghanaians went to train as doctors, engineers, then they could not return…Nkrumah was no more, they found wives, families. Now some work in hospitals, yes, some teach or just work anywhere. Some also transit to Western Europe from Ukraine.

When you get there, accommodation and tuition is cheap. I started, just like many others, with a  six month intensive course in Russian. You know I speak Russian, right? I never learned Ukrainian as I lived on the Russian side. The country is basically divided in two.

I experienced racism against non-Ukrainians and especially blacks. I was beaten twice. There is agitation when they see you, especially with their females. They call African students “monkeys”. There is also general corruption and lawlessness. As a foreign student you must carry your passport at all times, else you are considered a criminal.

The education is intense, practical. For instance we traveled to see things we talked about in class and to see historical monuments and places, They care a lot about history!

It was a good experience, I went for the education, I am happy to speak a new language, for the experience of a new country, many of the people were nice. But even for a conference, I wouldn’t go back. It is so cold. When I first came, it was minus 42 degrees Celsius, and I was wearing a jacket like this!But I feel that as a black person I am safer outside Ukraine than in Ukraine, especially now.

How are Ghanaian students in Ukraine fairing now? Does the Ghanaian government that previously gladly cooperated with the Ukrainian authorities any plans of bringing them back if things get worse? 

Photo credit: Ghanaian Students’ Association in Kharkov, Ukraine.

Continue Reading

You may also like

BloggingGhana Social Media Hub: Thoughts


Earlier this year, I wrote about our decision to move forward with an office and a “hub” for social media activities, and now a few months into the year, we are about to move in!

The ride hasn’t exactly been smooth, and I think my colleagues and I have learned a lot. But sometimes you just have to take that leap – will we land safely? I thank all supporters so far.

This week, we are reaching out to potential partners and friends of the organisation to be able to focus on the longterm sustainability of the project. Tech companies, organizations, embassies and people we have identified as interested in what we do have been contacted and we have visited two and will hopefully see more of them next week.

I think meeting with friends of the organisation has been a very rewarding experience so far for the organisation, and for me personally. When things get rough on the short term, we often forget the longterm perspective.

The longterm vision could definitely be a place where social media professionals are trained, events thought up and planned as well as new bloggers see the light of day. At a meeting on Sunday, one of our members dreamed:

“In three years, we will laugh at the difficulties we had and say it was lucky we pressed ahead…” 

Continue Reading

You may also like

BloggingGhana proudly presents: The Social Media Awards

Screenshot 2014-03-23 20.28.16Last year, BloggingGhana launched the BloggingGhana Social Media Awards for the very first time – highlights included the American ambassador speaking (with Best Blog winner Nana Darkoa Sekyama above), sassily dressed crowd and glossy plaques …

Now it is time again! The difference this time is that he HYPE IS UP! BlogCamp has opened ticketing (get yours here for free) and people are going wild! Voting is in full swing and we have gotten emails and phone calls from upset people who had expected a nomination!

This time I am also nominated under best female blog, see all finalists here. However, I have dual feelings about it. I am not sure my blog is very female or that as a founder of the organization that organizes the prize it is even ethical to run (I have nothing to do with the voting process, so maybe its fine?)

Anyways because of this, I am not going to say: VOTE FOR ME! But I am going to say, VOTE FOR SOMEBODY  before the deadline, Wed 26th March, 2014! Follow this link to vote. 

The Social Media Awards take place after the BlogCamp at AITI-KACE, Accra on Saturday April 12, 2014. Find all info here. If you want to sponsor the event, find details here.

 

 

 

Continue Reading

You may also like

Upcoming BloggingGhana Events!

BloggingGhana feb 2014BloggingGhana had a wonderful meeting in February (see photo above) and when looking forward, many exciting things are happening: BlogCamp is around the corner, we are getting ready to move into our new Social Media Hub (see the film here!) and soon new executives (maybe you?) will steer the ship!

Here is a list of important dates:
 
March 
Sunday 23, 3-6 PM March meet up – our first meeting in the new hub! (From now on we will meet there unless otherwise indicated!)
April
Saturday 5, 3-6 PM, Pre-BlogCamp Event with guests
Sunday 6, Midnight, Deadline for Executive nominations (form to follow) and proposals.
Saturday, 12 All Day BlogCamp and the Social Media Awards!
May
Sunday 11, 4-6 PM, Annual General Meeting (AGM). Come and vote! FOR PAYING MEMBERS ONLY, pay by April 12th to participate! Membership details here.
 
Please RSVP to events and find more details on BloggingGhana’s FB page!
This post can also be found on BloggingGhana’s blog.

 

Continue Reading

You may also like

African Online TV-Series: The Samaritans, An African City and more

With the advancement of broadband on the continent, we are now witnessing a cultural explosion when it comes to online video. On my list to watch (if dumsor will not take my Internet and computer battery away) are the following:

1. The Samaritans (Aid for Aid)

I am excited about this series as it targets an important sector in Africa that potentially is also a very funny sector – the ingenious  non-governmental sector full of strategy plans and targets that confuse all of us… Their website promises:

“The Samaritans is a new comedy TV series from Kenya, about an NGO (Non-Governmental organization), that does nothing.”

See the trailer here:


2. An African City

Out of Ghana, I am proud to say, the series An African City has caused ripple effects online with its 15 minute episodes, but I am still outside of the hype (16 000 people have watched the first episode) as I have sadly not had the time to watch it yet. It seems to be Sex And The City like with a short blurb from the FB page of the series suggesting it is about:

“Five beautiful, successful African females return to their home continent and confide in one another about love and life in ‘An African City’!


On a website called Reel African one can also see on demand already popular TV-series like Adam’s Apples and many more.  Where the first series discussed above has chased a pay-to-view system, An African City is pre-financed and free for the viewer and available on YouTube. Maybe when I have watched the first few episodes, I can find out from the creators how the two cost-recovery models are working.  I am however sure, the online medium will create new opportunities for the creative economy.

These are in conclusion very interesting times for online creativity on the continent. I wonder what is next for African Online TV!

If you know of more African online shows, please send your tips my way!

Continue Reading

You may also like

Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and Trade Minister on Visit to Ghana

Tomorrow, Tuesday, the Swedish second person to the throne, Crown Princess Victoria will be paying a visit to Sweden.

Victoria mars 2014The Princess arrives together with Minister of Trade Ewa Björling for a “promotional trip” to Ghana. After Ghana, they will visit Tanzania. In a press release, the minister says:

“Ghana and Tanzania represent ‘the new Africa’ in various ways, with strong growth and major potential for increased trade and economic exchange. Crown Princess Victoria and I are traveling to these countries to further develop Sweden’s relations, including trade, with Ghana and Tanzania”

Just late last year, Sweden sent another high level visit to Ghana in Minister of Entrepreneurship Annie Lööf, and recently it was announced that Sweden opens a sectional office in Accra linked to the regional embassy in Abuja.

It looks like I am not the only Swede taking an interest in this green nation of Ghana!

Photo borrowed here.

 

 

Continue Reading

You may also like

Road Tolls and Accountability: The Hole(!) in the Accra-Tema Motorway

I probably should not write this as my parents will be worried when they read it, but the Accra-Tema motorway (or Tema-Accra motorway as we who live in Tema call it) is falling apart.

When I drove to work on Tuesday, I was halted by some serious traffic after just a kilometer or so. I assumed it was one of the common accidents, but was surprised to find the traffic was caused by a hole in one of the bridges on the motorway. The water below could be seen through the hole…

Bignp62IIAAO6I2

I subsequently tweeted a warning:

All traveling from Tema to Accra, be careful as one of the bridges, right lane, has a big, gaping hole! @Citi973 @BloggingGhana

— Kajsa Hallberg Adu (@kajsaha) March 11, 2014

As I returned home in the evening around 8PM, the traffic now stretched from the hole all the way to Tema. I tweeted that too:

This evening the #motorway hole caused major traffic…what is being done? @YoungSirGh @BloggingGhana @police_gov_gh @Citi973

— Kajsa Hallberg Adu (@kajsaha) March 11, 2014

This morning, I set my alarm to 5.30 AM to “dodge” the traffic, but was still caught for 30 min by it and tweeted that too (that is what I do when stuck!)

Today’s “hole traffic” already winding on the Tema side of the #motorway @RichardDelaSky @BloggingGhana @InformGhana pic.twitter.com/D2jQUqVHLk

— Kajsa Hallberg Adu (@kajsaha) March 12, 2014

I was happy to just minutes later hear the CitiFM Morningshow crew bringing the issue up and even calling the Minister for Roads and Highways for an explanation. Driving on the Accra-Tema motorway is not free, I pay toll every time I enter, so does everyone else. Finding that the road is not well maintained, that street lights and railings which get hit never are replaced and  holes in the bridges (not the first time) makes me angry! Where is that money?

They are now going to do repairs, but morning show host Bernard Avle asked an important question:

“What is the status of other bridges on the motorway?”- @benkoku @Citi973

— Kajsa Hallberg Adu (@kajsaha) March 12, 2014

As I drive on the motorway everyday, I would like to know. I think my parents would like to know too.

Earlier posts on the motorway: New Ghana Road Tolls Today, One Year of Road Toll in Ghana: My Experience and Kwame Nkrumah: The city of Tema (part 2).

 

 

Continue Reading

You may also like

Victoria Okoye on Accra in the Guardian: BloggingGhana Mentioned!

BloggingGhana was last week featured in the Guardian by their Blogger of the Week, our own Victoria Okoye/ African Urbanism.

“There’s BloggingGhana, an organised group of bloggers hitting on everything from everyday issues to politics, art, fashion to leading initiatives for greater transparency in elections, government and social action.”

Screenshot 2014-03-12 12.23.13Read Victoria’s whole article here.

Continue Reading

You may also like

Practical Women’s Day: WomenWhoInspire

Over the last week or two, I have been involved in a project to showcase inspirational women in Ghana. Here is the introduction to the  project and further down my contribution!

The first International Women’s Day (IWD) was first held in 1911 and every year since women have been celebrated and the issues that affect them highlighted on the 8th of March. While IWD started as a way of highlighting what was unjust, wrong and harmful to women, today we can also celebrate how far we’ve come and recommit to the work yet to be done.

WomenWhoInspire is an online project created by a group of Ghanaian women as a contribution to the 2014 International Women’s Day theme: Inspiring Change!

WomenWhoInspire is a reminder through video, photos and words that women everywhere are powerful, beautiful and truly inspiring. Join us as we celebrate WomenWhoInspire over the next two months. Let us celebrate the social, political and economic achievements of women! Let us advocate for equality for everyone! Share your story or that of another amazing Woman who inspires!

We want to encourage women to record themselves or other women. Here are some guidelines!

Suggestion for questions for 1 min video:

  1. “My name is … and I hope my story inspires you”,

  2. I am a / the …. eg mother, student, Manager of…[they can give multiple roles]

  3. I use technology to / when… eg I use technology when I use to communicate with friends and to get my work done.

  4. Another woman who inspires me is ….

  5. My three words of inspiration to women are…

Upload

When you upload your video, be sure to use the hashtag #WomenhoInspire if you want us to find it and share it!

My video

Here is the video I made, of an inspiring woman in my life, my mother-in-law Grace Dolly Acquah (apologies for poor sound).

An interesting aspect is how fun it has been working together with other women, Most of the work has been done online, but today we met Away From Keyboard and it was great!

Continue Reading

You may also like

Made in Ghana Clothes: Friday Local Wear

1655439_259049944266352_1658131841_o

Yesterday at the Ghanian independence day, I came to talk about Ghanaian clothing with some people attending the same celebratory event. We said, on a day like this, why are people not waiving the Ghanaian flag, attending parties in wax print and local cuts? 

I was wearing my waxprint patchwork pants and a Golden Baobab t-shirt and he was wearing jeans and a blue striped shortsleeved shirt. He was praising me for always wearing Ghanaian clothes (its true, I often do), but I was saying I feel people in Ghana do patronise Ghanaian attire a lot, compared to other countries. One reason I wear Ghanaian clothes is to better blend in! The President even bragged about his Ghanaian footwear in his State of the Nation address recently! So I said: When was the last time you saw a Brit sporting an “all British” outfit? But here another partygoer jumped in and told us about Benin where two days a week are local wear day and then even the police dons Beninoise clothing. In Ghana, it is once a week, officially. Many companies have a custom-made cloth so for instance bankers will be dressed in their company cloth.

However, once a week is not enough for me. I have come to love the bold and colourful prints, the opportunity get any outfit sown for me and anyways, my clothes from an earlier life were all too heavy and warm! Today, this campaign was started: are you wearing something made in Ghana? I say, stop me if you can! 

Continue Reading

You may also like

Ghana 57 years – What’s Next?

Congratulations, mother Ghana to your 57 years.

You stand proud. You remember happy days filled with sunshine and song, sad days of abuse and pain, regular days with little water, but much warmth and the not so regular days with a trip to the beach waiving a flag. With a black star. With a cold Star in hand. You smile thinking of your children. You wish their lives would be easier. Behind you lie dusty accounts of history, some still not unearthed, some bleached by the sun.

But what lies ahead, if we open the door, what is next?

doorThis post is inspired by the many fine poetry blogs we have in Ghana.

Continue Reading

You may also like