The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has committed to significantly expanding economic opportunities for the most vulnerable in the country if elected in the December 7, 2024 elections.
The party’s spokesperson for gender and social protection, Shamima Muslim, stated that the party will increase social and political representation of women and persons living with disabilities.
Speaking at the manifesto launch of the NDC over the weekend, she declared that the nation is in a dire economic crisis, which the NPP has plunged us into with over 850,000 Ghanaians pushed into poverty, the majority of whom are women, the aged and persons living with disabilities.
The NDC, she noted, is committed to non-discrimination, equity, and social justice, creating an inclusive society where everyone can participate fully and equally in our social and political sectors.She opined that the NDC has the most transformative effect on women’s empowerment and social inclusion and knows how to create mass opportunities for Ghanaians.
Shamima Muslim said, in the next four years, the NDC will socially protect the most vulnerable, aged women and PWDs.
The NDC will strengthen the legal framework for the political inclusion of women and under-represented groups by fully implementing their affirmative action bill, mandating a 30% quota for women in all political appointments, and passing the property rights of spouses bill and the domestic workers bill, among others.
On economic empowerment and inclusion, the NDC will launch the women in agriculture initiative to promote young women’s participation in the agricultural sector by expanding access to land in agricultural zones along with financial and business support to feed this nation and create sustainable jobs.
The party further seeks to support victims of gender-based violence, launch a zero-tolerance to domestic violence and sexual harassment in Ghana campaign, and facilitate sixteen regional shelters and comprehensive support services for victims of gender-based violence.
The NDC, she added, will develop survivors care kits for victims of gender-based violence, including free legal services, medical examinations, emergency contraception for women, mental healthcare services, and other necessary medications.We will initiate a national school-related gender-based safety program for the protection of all pupils and students.
On social protection for the elderly, the NDC has promised to introduce the ‘EBAN’ elderly welfare system to enable Ghanaians above 60 years to have priority access to social and health services as well as public transport and public spaces.
To support our community of differently abled, the NDC mandates a minimum 5 percent hiring of all PWDs in the public sector, and we will enforce the Ghana accessibility standards to build a safe environment adopted in 2016 to facilitate access to public places for persons with PWDs.
The NDC also promised to expand education opportunities for Kayayei through scholarships, vocational training in their interest areas, enterprise development, and other social assistance programs for Kayayei and other vulnerable groups.
The NDC manifesto she noted ‘’is a reflection of our values, and we invite you to join us on this journey towards a more just, equitable, and compassionate society. Remember, on December 7, 2024, the election is about hope, about justice, and about equity. Vote for the NDC, vote for John Dramani Mahama, and vote for the NDC parliamentary candidates. Vote because you are a true patriot. It does not matter which political party you belong to.’’
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
