Forum on women's empowerment held

Apam, Sept 8, GNA - About 350 million women in developing countries lack access to safe and effective family planning methods in spite of increased contraceptive use world-wide. Girls also constitute two thirds of the 130 million children in developing countries who do not attend school.

Ms Margaret Novicki, Director United Nation Information Centre in Ghana said these at Apam in Central Region on Tuesday. She was speaking on "women's empowerment, the role of the UN" at a forum organised by an Asamankese based Non Governmental Organisation, Nanoa Environmental and Human Development Organisation (NEDO).

It was to sensitise chiefs, assembly members, religious leaders and other opinion leaders in the Gomoa District on the empowerment of women and drug abuse. Ms Novicki stressed the need for African governments to promote family planning and girl child education.

She said women must be empowered to enable them to play a central role in development. The wider objective of human development and peace can not be achieved without the elimination of discrimination against women, she said adding that women must not only be given a voice.

They must also be given responsibilities in the eradication of poverty to promote peace and sustainable development. Ms Novicki defined women's empowerment as "overcoming the woman's second class status, powerlessness, marginalisation and indignity".

It also means equipping women with tools to enable them to become active participants in decision making through education, acquisition of skills, jobs and access to quality health care including reproductive health. Mr. Samuel Amankwaa of the Narcotic Control Board said that the fight against drug abuse and trafficking is a collective one and asked the public to expose illegal drug dealers.

He said the drug menace poses a great threat to society and stressed the need for all citizens to contribute to its elimination. Mr Nti Ababio, President of NEDO said the objectives of the NGO include the promotion of environmental protection, primary health care and family planning and vocational training.