Accra, March 27, GNA – Ghana is hosting the regional meeting for Gender Experts and Ministers responsible for Gender and Women Affairs of ECOWAS member states in Accra.
Themed “Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women and Girls: An imperative for the Achievement of Sustainable Development and Effective Regional Integration in West Africa,” the meeting seeks to validate the ECOWAS Gender Development Centre (EGDC) strategic plan 2023-2027.
It is also aimed at building on the progress and achievements made over the years, and to contribute towards sustainable development, economic and social justice.
Also, it will promote gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in the ECOWAS region.
The meeting will hold discussions to review and finalise the draft EGDC Strategic Plan 2023-2027 before its validation by the Ministers responsible for Gender and Women Affairs and subsequent adoption by other statutory bodies of ECOWAS.
Delivering the opening remarks, Dr. Afisah Zakariah, Chief Director for Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, indicated that Gender inequality is a persistent issue that undermines the progress of societies and nations worldwide.
She said, there was a need for concerted efforts from governments, civil society organizations, the private sector and development partners to achieve gender equality and empowerment of women and girls in West Africa.
She explained that to achieve gender equality and empower women and girls in West Africa, there is the need to address issues, which include the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls, harmful cultural practices, such as child marriage and female genital mutilation.
Dr Zakaria who called on stakeholders and gender experts to bring out more pragmatic strategies that would promote gender equality and women’s empowerment said, “there is also the need to promote gender-sensitive legislation and ensure that perpetrators of gender-based violence are held accountable for their actions.”
Mrs Sandra Oulate Fattoh, Director of the ECOWAS Gender Development Centre, said the meeting had become necessary to reflect and revise on the strategies to address current gender match issues on grounds.
She revealed that this year marks 20 years since the creation of center hence the need to gather expert inputs from each member states on pressing issues.
Ms Fattoh commended the government of Ghana for its efforts towards achieving gender equality and equity and the empowerment of women and girls, and stressed ECOWAS’ commitment to building capacity for women, men and young people, promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women in the context of regional integration.
GNA