Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo,has challenged the language of the National pledge raising concerns regarding its gender bias.
The clause “through the toils of our fathers” in the National Pledge without mentioning mothers underplays the role women played in Ghana’s independence struggles.
She describes the omission as gender-insensitive and charged Parliament and the relevant stakeholders to take a look at it and make the necessary amendments if needed.
“The National Pledge talks about ‘through the blood and toils of our fathers’ and omits mothers, but the mothers also toiled for this country, and I think it is gender-insensitive.
Even when we are making a reference to the country, we call it our motherland, but when it comes to the National Pledge, and we are referring to the struggles and toils, we omit our mothers, and I want to draw your attention to it so we look at it as a country so that we become more gender-sensitive when it comes to our National Pledge.” she said.
In response to her concerns, the speaker of Parliament, Albany Bagbin pointed out that the wording of the pledge is enshrined in the constitution, thus potentially requiring a constitutional amendment to effect any changes
The discussion unfolded as part of Parliament’s deliberations on adopting new Standing Orders, which mandate the recitation of the National Pledge at the commencement of each parliamentary session.
Adwoa Safo emphasized the importance of embracing inclusive language as a means to foster patriotism and unity among members of the chamber.
