‘Stop diminishing women’s achievements because of politics, looks, age’ – Gomashie

Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts Abla Dzifa Gomashie has spoken out against the vilification of women in leadership roles. In a Facebook post, she expressed concern that personal attacks and attempts to diminish their accomplishments could deter other women from pursuing leadership positions. Gomashie urged the public to refrain from unhealthy comparisons and unnecessary criticism of women who have achieved leadership status.

She emphasized that women's journey into leadership roles has historically been fraught with difficulties and that society should consider whether its treatment of women leaders encourages the next generation to aspire to such positions. "How does attacking the few Women in Leadership inspire and motivate the younger ones?" she questioned.

Gomashie warned that intimidation and silencing of women in leadership would continue, but stressed that determined individuals would persist. She highlighted the need for a collective effort to confront the broader injustices women face rather than focusing on individual cases. The minister listed various forms of abuse, including rape, sexual harassment, verbal attacks, physical and emotional abuse, and attempts to undermine women, as unacceptable regardless of the context.

While she acknowledged that criticism of women in leadership is not inherently problematic, she argued that it becomes an issue when efforts are made to undermine their achievements based on factors like politics, religion, appearance, age, marital status, or motherhood. Gomashie drew a parallel between the underrepresentation of women in Ghana's Parliament and the persistent attacks on women in leadership, noting that this treatment could discourage women from entering politics.

She questioned why society is willing to support women but hesitant to help them succeed. Her remarks contribute to ongoing discussions about women's representation in public office and the need to address the extent to which public criticism may cross into personal attacks that may discourage others from seeking leadership roles.