Statement: 9th Celebration of International Women's Day

International Women Day was instituted some ninety nine years ago to empower women and make them aware of both their civic and political rights and also take advantage of the opportunities available to them. Next year, we will have the centenary celebrations of the International Women Day. The question is what have women achieved so far to better their lives in the society? As we celebrate this year�s International Women�s Day on the theme, �EQUAL RIGHTS, EQUAL OPPORTUNITES AND PROGRESS FOR ALL�, we need to reflect on what women in Ghana have achieved so far in their Socio- economic and Political pursuits. We also need to assess the challenges facing them in terms of getting easy access to resources and hearing in society. A critical look at Ghana history shows that issues concerning women have for so long a time been relegated to the background and little attention have been given to them. In moving forward, it will be prudent for the government to put in place interventions that will help women empowerment. To this end, President J.E.A. Mills is being reminded to fulfil his campaign promise of giving 40 percent of his appointments at all levels to women. Women throughout the country irrespective of political affiliations and other considerations are also being called upon to come together to fight a common goal in achieving general empowerment. It is important also for women organisers of all political parties and civil society groups to hold annual meetings to resolve on common issues confronting the development of women in the country and even to develop a common working document that all women groups and successive Governments through the Ministry of Women and Children affairs will help implement. It is also appropriate to state that, studies have shown, the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs does not enjoy adequate funding. I shall use this platform to finally call on Government and Donor Agencies to step up funding and support to MOWAC and all Women Development groups. , NATIONAL WOMEN ORGANISER OF THE NEW PATRIOTIC PARTY