Justice Bartels-Kodwo rejects tokenism in gender appointments, advocates merit and mentorship

Supreme Court nominee, Justice Janapare Adzua Bartels-Kodwo, has stated that while she supports the empowerment of women, she does not believe in affirmative action policies that prioritise symbolism over substance.

Speaking during her vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee, Justice Bartels-Kodwo remarked:

“I am a woman, but I don’t believe in affirmative action for affirmative action’s sake.”

She acknowledged the significant progress made over the past two decades in supporting the girl child but warned that gender-based appointments made solely for appearances risk undermining the broader cause of women’s advancement.

“In the past years — maybe 20 years down the road backwards — a lot was done for the girl child,” she said.

“But if women are just put anywhere for the sake of it, and they go and they don’t perform, it is we, the women, who get the flak.”

Justice Bartels-Kodwo called for deliberate investment in developing the skills and competencies of women through mentorship, training, and education.

“I believe in mentoring young girls, bringing them up, building capacity, encouraging them to gain the heights,” she emphasised.

Her comments underscore the need for a balanced approach to gender equality—one that promotes opportunity based on merit, preparedness, and long-term empowerment.

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