Vice President joins in celebrating National Women's Day

Accra, April 21, GNA - Vice President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday led a national tribute that honours women's contribution in national development, with a pledge that government would pursue a number of gender-sensitive policies aimed at boosting their economic status. Speaking at a programme organised as part this year's national women's week celebration in Accra, Vice President Mahama acknowledged women's unparallel resilience amidst a number of socio-cultural obstacles that continue to hinder them.

In a speech that reflected on the myriad of political and social obstacles that had ensnared women in the past making them unequal class citizens much of the world, Vice President signalled the intention of government to make a break with that dishonourable past. Already, government, he said, had started in that transformatory zeal by appointing women into key directing positions to enable them participate effectively in the governance of this country. The assurances of the Vice President warmed into the hearts of the hundreds of women, including former First Lady Mrs Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings that congregated at the auditorium of the Ghana College of Physicians in Accra to hear him speak.

And they responded by dancing to a medley of choral beats whose thematic essence, like the event, was to overcome despondency and look up to a brighter future where women and their male counterparts would work together not only for a better Ghana, but also for a better world. Already a set of remarkable achievements in place such as the first government to appoint a woman as the Speaker of Parliament, as well as the first woman acting Inspector General of Police, the NDC government is promising even more.

"We will also be appointing many women to statutory boards and corporations to further reflect the pledge we made in our 2008 manifesto and further ensure the retention of competent women as Heads of Educational institutions", said Vice President to the applause of the women.

Recounting, he said the government in addition to the appointment of the Speaker of Parliament and acting Inspector General of Police had on its cabinet, seven female ministers of state, one female Regional Minister, four Deputy Ministers of State and three female Deputy Regional Ministers.

But it is the appointment of the two that excites policy makers most as the speaker can help refract gender issues into the legislative agenda and the police chief, being a woman would be more sensitive to women and children issues. Beyond the appointments, Vice President Mahama said government would also attach "paramount importance" to female reproductive issues to sensitize citizenry on harmful sexual practices that impair or discriminate against women. Minister for Women and Children's Affairs, Miss Akua Sena Dansua, said a series of programmes would be held next year to rekindle the women's movement in Ghana and also honour the torch bearers of affirmative gender policies in the country. In particular, the Justice Annie Jiagge, late eminent jurist and women advocate would have a lecture commemorating her memory as from next year.

Former First Lady, Mrs Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings said the status of women in any society reflected its commitment to social development and enlisted the support of Ghanaians across the social and political divide to support affirmative actions that uplifted the image of women. Dr Rasheed Draman, a gender activist who chaired the function, corroborated Mrs Rawlings assertion that men must be part of the move in promoting the rights of women since they would be the ultimate beneficiaries in such an effort.