Press release Women Day 2011

Press Release

Our Women Deserve Better

As the world celebrates the International Day of Women today, I wish to call on all Ghanaians to work harder and more diligently to implement affirmative action policies and programmes to give our women opportunities to develop their potentials in life. It is a well-known fact that Ghana as a country has been quick to approve and give its assent to international conventions and treaties that purport to promote for women, their well-being and affirmative action. Yet, we have very few women in leadership positions in business, politics, religious organisations, etc. The rights of women are routinely trampled upon by families and communities across the country in the name of “tradition and culture”.

Specifically, we must:

1. Implement free and compulsory education for all of our children from kindergarten to senior high school. This will ensure that our girls receive a decent education just as the boys. Education as a great equalizer will provide equal opportunity in life to our women.

2. All political parties must set aside at least 20% of parliamentary seats for women candidates. Affirmative action in politics cannot be done by reducing nomination fees. We must guarantee seats and positions to make it possible to break male domination in the legislature.

3. The government must put into place a Women Enterprise Development Agency to train, encourage and promote the growth and development of women entrepreneurs in the country. This should include technical assistance, low interest loans and the setting aside of portions of government contracts to enterprises founded by women.

We must end the talk and act. Our women deserve better!

Papa Kwesi Nduom

March 8, 2011