By Yussif Ibrahim
Kumasi, March 19, GNA – Defence for Children International Ghana (DCI-Ghana), implementers of the “She Leads Project” has applauded the achievements of girls and women in Ghana in commemoration of International Women’s Day (IWD).
Celebrated globally to honour women’s achievements and advocate gender equality, IWD also promotes equal rights and opportunities for women.
The theme for this year’s celebration is “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment,” which emphasises the importance of achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls globally.
The theme also calls for swift and decisive response to address historical and systematic barriers and biases that affects women in all spheres of life by implementing effective strategies and intensify efforts in advancing the rights of girls and women globally.
This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a landmark blueprint for advancing women’s rights globally.
It reinforces the urgency to address critical issues like education, health, economic empowerment, and eliminating violence against women.
As Ghana joins the rest of the world to celebrate women, DCI-Ghana reflects on the progress Ghana has made in advancing women’s rights which includes; the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act 2024, election of the first female Vice President for the country and gradual penetration of women into political leadership.
A statement issued by the organisation and copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Kumasi, bemoaned the low representation of women in leadership and decision making in Ghana, citing the 14.90 per cent women elected as Members of Parliament into the 9th parliament as a case in point.
“The recent appointments by the President witnessed a low representation of women with about 23.21 per cent inducted into the various state offices and governing boards, which is
below the 30 per cent quota as clearly defined in schedule 1 of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act 2024 (Act 1121),” the statement pointed out.
Other pertaining issues that affects girls and women in Ghana, according to the statement, include gendered divisions of roles, gender stereotypes and discriminations, child marriage, domestic violence, sexual exploitation of girls, period poverty among others.
It said the She Leads Social Movement and other Civil Society actors including women’s rights organisation and Girls and Young Women-led Organisations had made conscious efforts in advocating and promoting the rights of girls and women in Ghana through advocacy and public awareness campaigns.
They have also provided mentorship and coaching for girls and young women clubs to build their assertiveness and self-esteem to take up leadership roles, while providing platforms to girls to amplify their voices.
“We say ayekoo to all the dedicated feminist, activists and gender champions!
We highlight the importance of empowering girls and young women, as they play a key role in bringing lasting change,” the statement concluded.
GNA