We’ll challenge systematic barriers to women in justice system - Bar association president commits

The President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), Efua Ghartey, has stressed her commitment to work with colleague lawyers to challenge systematic barriers to women in the justice system.

The first female president of the bar association said she would also advocate laws and policies that protected women's rights.

Mrs Ghartey added that she was committed to use her position to create more pathways for young women in the legal profession and also mentor the next generation of female leaders.

"But most, importantly, I commit to ensuring that I am not the last woman to hold this position.

True success isn't measured by personal firsts but by creating environments where female leadership becomes so common that it no longer warrants special attention,” the GBA president stated.

Mrs Ghartey gave the commitments last Wednesday at a forum put together by the British Council Ghana to mark the International Women's Day (IWD).

IWD

The International Women's Day has been set aside globally to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

The day, observed on March 8 each year, also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality.

The theme for this year's celebration, Accelerate Action, emphasises the urgent need to promote gender equality and empower young women to excel in education and careers, including those traditionally underrepresented by women.

Learners selected from pre-tertiary schools in Accra participated in the programme.

Mrs Ghartey challenged young girls to think through their limitations and identify strategies to surmount them, adding that when anybody asked them if they could not do something because they were girls, they should consider such statements as untruths and outdated limitations waiting to be dismantled.

"Your curiosity and refusal to accept artificial boundaries will drive acceleration. We are in a day and age where females are go-getters.

As we can see, the highest position that a female is yet to ascend to in Ghana is that of a President. Some females have excelled in most professions that were previously male-dominated.

We have female lawyers, architects, engineers, pilots and sportswomen,” she stated.

Mrs Ghartey said majority of lawyers at the Office of the Attorney General were females and at the latest intake at the University of Ghana Law Faculty, 89 per cent of the students are females.

“We are moving on. So, ladies, be determined in life, don’t settle for mediocrity. Be assertive and learn to stand for what is yours. As we celebrate International Women's Day, remember that you are not just the future, you are the present as well," the president of the GBA stressed.

Progress

The Country Director of the British Council, Nii Doodo Dodoo, said while progress had been made, significant barriers persisted that prevented many women and girls from accessing equal opportunities, pointing out that the moment to act with urgency and purpose was now.

He said the British Council believed in the transformative power of education, cultural exchange and leadership in driving gender equality, adding that the council was committed to fostering opportunities that empowered women and girls, equipping them with the skills, resources and platforms necessary for them to thrive.

The Deputy Development Director, British High Commission, Samina Bhatia, said the United Kingdom was dedicated to supporting and promoting gender equality, explaining that through partnership with Ghanaian schools, leaders and organisations, they would continue to work towards removing the barriers that prevented women and girls from reaching their full potential.

There were presentations from key stakeholders such as the Girls Education Unit of the Ghana Education Service, UNICEF Ghana and by the Founder and President of the Accra Metropolitan University, Professor Goski Alabi.