The quest to achieve gender equality by 2030 grows keener as the race to the finish line continues to draw closer. The use of different modes of engagement have contributed to ensure both women and men are treated with fairness and given due recognition in the Ghanaian society. Despite these gains, a lot more needs to be done.
“We need each other to make this happen”, says Dr. Afisah Zakaria, Chief Director at the Ministry of Gender, Children & Social Protection, who speaking at this year’s commemoration of International Women’s Day entreated women to embrace unity in the struggle to achieve fairness and gender equality.
Reiterating the statement by the Chief Director, the sector Minister Hon. Cynthia Mamle Morrison on her part, stated that men were not going to be left behind since they also require to be engaged for the elimination of stereotypical attitudes and toxic gender norms that do little to aid the realization of women’s rights.
On the night of the celebration, a host of deserving women and institutions were given awards for their work in promoting gender issues, and for achieving success in spite of patriarchal systems. Awardees included Abigail Amankwah and Euginia Basal, who are beneficiaries of the UNFPA-sponsored mentoring program, Hope For Future Generation an NGO and a UNFPA implementing Partner, Selikem Acolatse Apaloo, host of Women’s Voice on GBC24, the Woman2Woman show on Uniiq FM, Citi TV, Teni Agana, a social entrepreneur and former kayayo who excelled academically, amongst others.
The 2020 International Women’s Day was held on the theme: “I am Generality Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights”, and it coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women which produced the Beijing Declaration and Platform of Action.
