By Rachel Kakraba
The Affirmative Action Law Coalition has expressed disappointment over the lack of compliance with the appointment quotas for women as stipulated by the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act with regard to the recently inaugurated transition teams of both government and the incoming government.
It says section 14 of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024 (Act 1121), states a minimum of 30% of all presidential appointments must be made up of women. However, the joint composition of the transition team by the incumbent and incoming governments all failed to meet the requirement, with the joint transition team having only 4 women out of a 23-member team, culminating in a meagre 16%.
It adds that it is further worrying that the newly inaugurated anti-corruption team as announced by the incoming government has no woman on the team.
A statement, signed by Convener of Affirmative Action Law Coalition, Sheila Minka-Premo, said the blatant disregard for gender equity in decision-making processes is not only concerning but goes against the principles of gender equity and inclusivity that the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act aims to promote. It said research has consistently shown that diverse teams are more effective and make better decisions, making it even more crucial to ensure that women are adequately represented in government appointments.
The Affirmative Action Law Coalition calls on both the incumbent and incoming governments to rectify the oversight immediately and ensure that women are represented in line with the legally mandated quotas.
This it says is imperative to set a positive example for gender equality and diversity in leadership positions.
