The quest for greater political representation for women is increasingly capturing global attention, with nations like Ghana and Japan showcasing dramatically different landscapes. Despite the strides made, both countries are still wrestling with the systemic factors inhibiting women’s full participation in governance.
Ghana has witnessed some notable achievements, such as electing its first woman vice president, Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang, during the latest electoral season. Yet, the parliamentary representation of women remains discouraging. The recent elections yielded 43 female parliamentarians from 276 total seats, only slightly up from 40. This reflects persistent barriers linked to Ghana’s electoral system, known as the single-member district or ‘first past the post,’ referred to by scholars as being ‘woman unfriendly.’ This system often favors party candidates who are predominantly male, creating significant obstacles for women aspiring to join the legislative ranks.
Experts argue this electoral mechanism hinders women’s candidacy compared to the more inclusive proportional representation systems used globally. For example, countries like Rwanda, which have employed gender quotas within their parliamentary frameworks, have seen women’s representation exceed 60%. This suggests Ghana could benefit from structural shifts, including adopting proportional representation or implementing gender quotas to promote equity.
Efforts to increase female political participation are not solely about changing laws; they also entail encouraging more women to enter the political fray. The historical practice of gender quotas, such as the one established under President Kwame Nkrumah’s 1960 Representation of the People Act, successfully ensured women’s participation until its repeal. Today, women candidates face numerous obstacles, such as the high costs associated with campaigns and the so-called ‘politics of insult,’ which can be particularly vicious toward female politicians.
Political violence rings alarmingly prevalent, with candidates across the board, regardless of gender, reporting experiences of harassment. Yet women are uniquely impacted, often deterring them from stepping up as candidates. Only 12.8% of the 918 candidates for Ghana’s upcoming parliament are women, signaling the need for systemic change if Ghana aims to recruit more female representatives.
On the flip side of the globe, Japan is reporting its own surge of women candidates as the country approaches its general election on October 27, 2024. A record 314 women are running, accounting for approximately 23% of the total candidates—marking Japan’s highest representation of women to date. While encouraging, this figure still highlights serious gender disparities, particularly as women hold less than 10% of the seats in the House of Representatives.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has actively campaigned for more female candidates, seeking to reinforce his party’s majority amid scandals involving male lawmakers. The increased number of candidates is partly attributed to such efforts, and the ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s goal to increase female representation to 35% by 2025 demonstrates the government’s acknowledgment of the need for change.
Despite these advancements, female representation remains insufficient, particularly within senior leadership roles. Currently, there are only two women among Ishiba’s 20 cabinet members. If Japan is to attain significant and lasting improvements concerning women’s participation, fundamental shifts within political parties remain pivotal. Many of these organizations still exhibit male-dominated structures, complicing the processes of candidate recruitment.
Compounding the challenges faced by Japanese women are societal expectations around caregiving. There is often unspoken pressure for women to prioritize family over public service, making political prospects appear less feasible. Organizations championing the inclusion of women call for strategic initiatives to cultivate female candidates who can navigate these societal dynamics and political landscapes effectively.
With both Ghana and Japan demonstrating the complex interplay between political culture, electoral systems, and societal gender norms, the road toward gender parity is lined with formidable barriers. Both nations could implement tactical changes to secure greater equality, though these endeavors will require galvanizing support across political parties and levels of governance. The engagement of current representatives, activists, and voters will be integral to driving momentum toward achieving greater equity for women candidates.
Moving forward, as both countries attempt to transcend socio-political limitations, they highlight the fundamental truth: achieving gender parity within political representation is not just about numbers but about creating spaces where women can effectively lead, inspire, and transform governance.