Security agencies urged to include women in decision-making

State Security agencies have been called upon to include qualified females at the various levels of decision-making in their organisations, the former Deputy Force Commander of the UN Force Mission for the Referendum for Western Sahara (MINURSO), Com­modore (CMDR), Faustina Boakye­waa Anokye has stated.

That, she said was important as women had a lot of potentials that could contribute to the growth and transformation of the security ser­vices in Ghana, adding that “women have power and have the voice to compete in any task given them to perform.”

She made the call in Accra on Thursday at a film screening and panel discussion on ‘Women, Peace and Security,’ a programme organised by the United Nations Information Centre in Ghana.

CMDR Anokye complained about the underrepresentation of women at various levels of the security service globally due to challenges such as discriminatory laws, cultural and social norms despite efforts by the United Nations, governments and other relevant stakeholders to change the narrative.

For instance, she noted that according to the Uniformed Gender Parity Strategy document for 2018-2028 published by the Deputy of Peace Operations (DOP), only five per cent of all Uniformed Military were women and that had not signifi­cantly changed in recent years.

CMDR Anokye further com­mended the government of Ghana through the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection for the development and adoption of National Action Plan (NAP) aimed at building inclusive, security and safe society for women and girls.

Additionally, she commended the government for the establishment of Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Institute at the Kofi Annan Peace Keeping Centre to increase women’s participation in peace negotiations, peacekeeping activities and preven­tive diplomacy efforts in Africa.

She also lauded the various securi­ty agencies such as the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), Ghana Police Service (GPS) and the Ghana Prisons Service for their efforts in ensuring women inclusivity within the service.

The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Ghana, Mr Charles Abani, noted that sustained effort was needed “to change the narrative and ensure gender equity within the security services.”

“I urge women, especially those in uniform to psyche, avail and challenge themselves to take up various appointments that could help unearth their potentials towards sustainability development in areas of operations,” he added.

 BY PRECIOUS NYARKO BOAKYE