Market women in Kpetoe, within the Agortime-Ziope District of the Volta Region, have voiced their disappointment and frustration following the failure to appoint a woman as the District Chief Executive (DCE).
At a press conference held at the Kpetoe Market on Monday, March 31, the Market Queen, Madam Sewordor Janet, spoke on behalf of the women, expressing their profound discontent that Ms. Vicentia Leyo Sename, whom they had strongly endorsed, was overlooked for the position.
According to them, the decision is a missed opportunity for inclusive governance, gender equity, and women’s empowerment in the district.
They believe Ms. Sename, a vibrant, well-educated, hardworking, and unbiased woman, had demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to the community, particularly during the immediate past elections.
Her appointment, they argue, would have broken barriers for women in leadership and inspired young girls in the district.
The women emphasised that they have played a crucial role in the socio-economic development of the district through contributions in agriculture, trade, education, and community service.
Despite these efforts, they continue to face systemic barriers to leadership and decision-making positions.
They stated that their aspirations for greater female representation in governance have once again been disregarded.
“Women in leadership positions often champion issues affecting the marginalized, especially women and children,” Madam Sewordor said.
She stressed that a female DCE would have been in a better position to address challenges such as inadequate healthcare, poor road infrastructure, lack of access to quality education, and economic empowerment for women.
The women of Kpetoe feel that their voices have been ignored and sidelined in the governance of the district. They argue that the decision to overlook Ms. Sename deepens their sense of exclusion and marginalization.
They are therefore calling on the government and key stakeholders to take deliberate steps to address gender imbalances in political appointments at the district level.
“Sustainable development can only be achieved when women are given equal opportunities to participate in decision-making processes,” they stated.
According to them, the current political landscape favors male dominance and prioritizes party loyalists over competent individuals, a system they believe must be revisited to ensure fair and inclusive leadership.
As a collective force, the market women of Kpetoe remain resolute in their call for fair representation in leadership. They are urging: The government to prioritize gender-inclusive appointments at the district level.
Traditional authorities, opinion leaders, and civil society organizations to actively support female representation in governance.
Policymakers to recognize the value of women’s leadership in achieving inclusive development.
They insist that the time has come for a change in leadership structures, and they will not remain silent on the issue.
“The call for gender equality in leadership is not just about fairness; it is about progress, development, and building a better future for the next generation of women and girls in our district,” Madam Sewordor concluded.
The women reaffirmed their determination to advocate for equal representation and ensure that women’s voices are heard in governance at all levels.
