Ghanaian women urged to partake in reconstructing country’s economy

The role that women play in the development of Ghana cannot be over-emphasized. Over the years, women have proven that when they are given the opportunity they have the capabilities to excel.

Despite efforts being made by women’s rights groups and gender activists to advocate for women’s rights, women are still battling to fit into leadership roles. It is against this background that the Gender Studies and Human Rights Documentation Centre, organised a national forum on Gender Equality and Women’s Rights.

The forum sought to strategize and find ways to address challenges that women face and also to encourage women’s participation in leadership roles both at the community and national levels.

Hon. Samia Nkrumah, Chairperson for the Convention People’s Party (CPP), in her delivery urged women, especially the younger women to be part of the reconstruction and transformation of Ghana’s economy. This, she said, is the only way to eradicate poverty.

She recounted from personal experiences that women who decide to take leadership positions at any level are usually faced with innumerable challenges from all directions but with a clear philosophy and determination, women can excel.

Miss Petrolina Amuasi, a women’s rights activist at the University of Ghana asked young women not to take chances whenever there is any opportunity to contest for leadership positions.

Miss Amuasi who believes there is going to be a female president in Ghana one day, said women should not accept the idea of being second class citizens but rather take charge of their lives and find ways to reach their goals and aspirations.

Mrs. Dorcas Coker-Appiah, Executive Director of the Gender Studies and Human Rights Documentation Centre, who chaired the forum said it was time for women’s voice to be heard on national discourse, adding that, “Our reproductive roles as women, should not limit or prevent us from exercising our other potentials”

By Pamela Ofori-Boateng