Vice President Dr Jane Mayemu Ansah SC JA (RTD) has called for reforms to electoral systems, political party structures and campaign financing to ensure women have a fair opportunity to participate in political leadership across Africa.
Speaking virtually at the inaugural High-Level Annual Conference on Gender and Elections in Africa (COGE) taking place in Johannesburg, South Africa, on 29 October 2026, Dr Ansah said democracy must be measured not only by what happens at the ballot box, but also by whether women have equal opportunities to contest elections, campaign safely and serve in leadership positions.
The Vice President emphasized the need to address barriers such as unequal access to campaign resources, unfair candidate selection processes and violence against women in politics, including online harassment and gender-based disinformation.
Dr Ansah urged governments, political parties and electoral management bodies to take practical steps towards gender equality, stressing that women’s political participation must be supported by fair rules, adequate resources and accountable institutions.
She said Africa must move beyond declarations and translate its commitments into measurable action, noting that inclusive political participation strengthens electoral integrity, public confidence and democracy across the continent.
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