31st December Women’s Movement condemns MP’s comment
The 31st December Women’s Movement has described comments made by the Member of Parliament (MP) for Daboya Makarigu, Mr Nelson Abudu Baani, as inciteful and a criminal offence against women of Ghana.
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“For the sake of justice, peace, security and development, violence and discrimination against women must be criticised and condemned in all its forms,” the movement stated.
In a statement, it added its voice to taht of various organisations which condemned the statement made by the MP.
The MP, in a recent statement, advocated the stoning of adulterous women to death.
However, the movement said the fundamental rights of women were clear provisions guaranteed by the 1992 Constitution, which is to protect the rights of all citizens of Ghana.
It, therefore, called on the Speaker of Parliament to bring the MP to book for his comments, since that was an act of terror and incited violence against women.
“Apologies in this circumstance is not enough. We are calling on Nelson Abudu Baani to resign from Parliament to avert any further negative incitements,” it stated.
It said the Constitution of Ghana guaranteed every person in Ghana fundamental rights and freedoms, provides protection against discrimination and enjoins the state to take steps to end all forms of discrimination on the grounds of gender, race, colour, ethnicity, religion and creed, social and economic status.
In addition, Ghana, under the International Human Rights instruments such as the UN Charter of 1945, has the obligation and commitment to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women, which are clear provisions for improving the status of women and promoting gender and equality and not endangering or inciting violence against women, the movement stated.
The movement also expressed concern over the ratio of female to male membership of Parliament, which, in its view, does not reflect a population which has over 51 per cent women.
It stated that the lack of political will and commitment by the political parties and the Executive arm to facilitate women’s effective participation in politics and decision making were some of the critical challenges facing the nation.
These are some of the reasons that can provoke violent utterances, it pointed out and, therefore, urged more women to avail themselves of the opportunity provided by 2016 Elections to contest various seats, “since the solution to women’s issues lies primarily in our hands and our voices will be amplified as there is strength in numbers”.
It also urged political parties to promote affirmative action to progressively increase the number of female candidates for the 2016 Elections.
Ghana, the movement said, had a rich and vibrant culture with many positive elements such as diversity, respect and consideration for others irrespective of age, gender or status.
