Women Face Intimidation and Stereotypes in Politics – PNP Leader Janet Nabla
PNP leader says systemic barriers and gender stereotypes continue to limit women’s participation in Ghana’s political leadership.
- Janet Asana Nabla says women face intimidation and stereotypes in politics.
- She claims parties often confine women to roles like women’s organiser.
- Nabla says personal attacks and arrests are used to discourage female politicians.
The Chairperson and Leader of the People’s National Party, Janet Asana Nabla, says women in Ghana’s political landscape continue to face significant challenges, including intimidation, stereotypes and structural barriers within political party systems.
Speaking as part of activities marking International Women’s Day, Ms. Nabla said women attempting to advance in politics often encounter resistance from male-dominated leadership spaces.
According to her, the competitive nature of politics makes it difficult for women to gain equal opportunities, as some men view female participation as a threat to their advancement.
She explained that while many political parties publicly claim to encourage women’s involvement, such support is often limited to roles like women’s organiser rather than influential leadership positions such as chairman or general secretary.
Ms. Nabla noted that even when women are elected to party leadership structures, they are sometimes expected to perform traditional domestic roles rather than actively contribute to decision-making processes.
She argued that these attitudes reinforce longstanding gender stereotypes that push women into supportive or unpaid responsibilities within political organisations.
The PNP leader also spoke about personal attacks she has experienced since entering politics, including insults directed at her and her family in attempts to damage her reputation.
She revealed that she has been arrested three times since becoming politically active, despite never having previously encountered the police or court system before joining politics.
In one case, she said she learned of an arrest notice through media reports before she had officially received communication from the police.
Ms. Nabla believes such actions are often used as tactics to intimidate women and discourage them from actively participating in politics.
Despite these challenges, she stressed the importance of continued efforts to create a more inclusive political environment that allows women to participate fully in leadership and decision-making.
