The Affirmative Action Law Coalition has expressed strong disapproval of both the incumbent and incoming governments for failing to adhere to the legally mandated quotas for women’s representation in government appointments.
This comes in the wake of the inauguration of the transition team and the announcement of the anti-corruption team, both of which fall short of the requirements set by the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024 (Act 1121).
Transition team below gender quota
According to Section 14 of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, at least 30% of all presidential appointments must comprise women.
However, the recently inaugurated 23-member transition team includes only four women, representing a mere 16%—well below the legal threshold.
No women in anti-corruption team
Even more alarming is the composition of the incoming government’s anti-corruption team, which entirely excludes women.
This omission has drawn sharp criticism from the Coalition, which views it as a blatant disregard for the principles of gender equity and inclusivity.
Gender Equity: A legal and practical necessity
The Coalition emphasized that this lack of compliance undermines the spirit of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, which aims to promote gender equality in decision-making processes. Research consistently highlights that diverse teams make more effective decisions, underscoring the need for adequate representation of women in leadership positions.
Call to action
In its statement, the Coalition urged both governments to take immediate steps to rectify the situation and comply with the legally mandated quotas.
“It is imperative that the government sets a positive example for gender equality and diversity in leadership positions,” the Coalition stated.
The group called for a revision of appointments to ensure that women are appropriately represented, asserting that inclusivity in governance is not only a legal obligation but also a crucial factor in fostering effective leadership and decision-making.
The Affirmative Action Law Coalition’s statement underscores the importance of holding governments accountable to their commitments to gender equity, as enshrined in the Affirmative Action Act.
