- Governments are urged to include women in tax policies
- omen contribute a lot to the economy through informal trade
- Empowering women can help reduce unemployment and boost growth
West African governments have been urged to implement comprehensive tax policies that effectively tap into women’s contributions to national revenue generation.
George Ohene Kwatia, President of the Chartered Institute of Taxation in Ghana, stressed that such policies are vital for the region’s economic progress. Speaking at the Society of Women in Taxation West Africa International Conference in Accra, Kwatia emphasized the significant role women play in boosting revenue mobilization. “Women’s contribution to informal trade accounts for 64% of GDP in some countries. In Benin, it’s 46%, and in Chad, 41%. Nigeria, with its large population and rapid urbanization, is in a unique position to leverage this potential,” he stated. He further explained that empowering women in these sectors could reduce rural unemployment and curb rural-urban migration.
Kwatia also noted that involving women in the economy could spur micro-enterprise growth, reduce poverty, improve food security, and significantly empower women. However, realizing this potential requires innovative public policies that strengthen women’s social capital and better integrate government initiatives.
Esi Sam, Chairperson of the Society of Women in Taxation Ghana, also highlighted the importance of women in the informal economy. She stressed the need to educate women about taxation to help them contribute more to national development.
“Women’s economic activities range from trade and sewing to formal employment. While formal employment is taxed through the PAYE system, many in the informal sector are not contributing to the tax system,” Sam explained. The two-day conference, themed “Revenue Generation in Developing Economies: Women’s Contributions to Sustainable Economic Development in West Africa,” brought together key stakeholders to discuss how women can play a greater role in driving economic growth through improved tax policies.
