Let’s end discrimination against women — First Lady
The First Lady, Mrs Lordina Mahama, has called for an end to all forms of discrimination against women.
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In a statement to commemorate International Women’s Day, which fell on March 8, she said women continued to face all forms of discrimination in the economic, social and cultural spheres, which must cease at all cost.
“The pervasive culture of discrimination and gender-based violence in our societies continue to seriously affect the fundamental rights of women - rights to life, health, security, mobility, political participation and employment,” the statement said.
Equality for women
Coming just two days after the celebration of Ghana’s independence anniversary celebration, the First Lady said, “It is a most opportune time to remind all of us that equality for women is progress for all.”
Mrs Mahama touched on girl’s education, which she noted was crucial to realising the dream of gender equality and women empowerment.
“Quality basic education can have a transformational effect on girls, making them drivers of lasting change,” the statement said and quoted Mrs Mahama as saying that: “Over the last one year, I have not only worked to improve on the conditions of orphanages, but also worked with the Ministry of Health to provide our girls with vaccination against cervical cancer.”
First Lady, who is also the president of Lordina Foundation, an NGO, welcomed the opportunity to join the world in celebrating the accomplishments of women in nurturing their families, shaping their communities and building nations in different ways around the world.
In a related development, the Ghana News Agency reports that, the President of the Accra East Power Queens Club of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Miss Queen Ida Adobea- Boahene, has said it was necessary for society to celebrate women.
Women’s role in society
She said women played vital roles in society and without them it would be difficult to manage other issues.
In an interview on Friday to commemorate International Women’s Day she said women must be confident to be able to withstand discrimination.
“We need to encourage ourselves; with unity we can exhibit what we have to contribute towards national development,” she said.
She urged the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection to highlight and address issues concerning women during the international event.
She also appealed to the ministry to collaborate with various women groups in activities marking the celebration.
Miss Adobea-Boahene advised women to be confident and set achievable standards for themselves to be able to manage leadership roles in society and become role models.