International Women’s Day climaxed with health walk
Four organisations organised a health walk in Accra during the weekend to climax the month-long celebration of the International Women’s Day which was observed on March 8.
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The health walk, aimed at drawing public attention to the need to continue efforts to empower women in the Ghanaian society, was organised by UNAIDS in partnership with Strategic Communications Africa Limited (Stratcomm Africa), Ghana AIDS Commission and the Accra Metropolitan Assembly.
Participants in the walk included women from various associations, human rights advocates, the media and other members from the general public.
The walk also raised awareness of women’s empowerment issues, including sexual and reproductive health issues. The programme began at 6:30am from the Osu Police Station and proceeded through the John Evans Atta-Mills High street, ending at Mantse Agbona in James Town.
At the end of the walk, a forum, drama and music on women empowerment and HIV and AIDS prevention and treatment were organised.
Involving women in development
Participants also had the opportunity to undergo HIV testing and counselling, access condoms and information, education and communication materials on various empowerment issues.
Speaking at the forum, the Chief Executive Officer of StratComm Africa, Mrs Esther Cobbah, said women needed to be empowered to participate largely in the running of the economy of the country as well as the development agenda.
According to her, if women were able to manage the home with daily money (chop money) given to them by their partners well, then they should be involved in the management of the economy of the country as well.
“I believe that if they are included in the management of the economy, they will manage it well and the economy will be nourished, enriched and energised,” she added.
When the right environment is created for women, Mrs Cobbah said, they excel, and therefore asked that the right environment should be designed to cater for the development of women.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Country representative, Ms Christine Evans-Klock, commended Ghana for the successes chalked in women empowerment and gender equality over the years.
However, she said more needed to be done to promote women and girls’ rights and empower them.
