Tema, March 9, GNA- A number of women in Tema were not aware of International Women's Day, set aside to recognise the achievements of women and to focus on issues militating against their progress. As Ghana joined the global community to commemorate the Day on Tuesday, a survey conducted by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Tema revealed that only few women were aware of the event and its significance.
Some women misconstrued it for Mother's Day, while some thought it was meant for big women in society who converged in Accra to talk about problems confronting women.
A businesswoman told the GNA that, "the media should have made the usual noise about the Day like they did during the Valentine's Day celebration".
The Scheme Manager of the Municipal Health Insurance Scheme, Mrs Alice Obeng however expressed regret that despite the public outcry about discrimination against women they still suffer abuse in their marriages, work places, while those in politics meet many challenges. She said women must be enlightened to know their civil rights and responsibilities.
Mrs Obeng said Government must also support women to engage in income generating ventures to be made self-sufficient.
She suggested that the Day should not be focused on making statements at workshops and seminars but to solicit the help of people in authority to promote the welfare of women.
Mrs Obeng urged women to be assertive and shine to develop their capabilities irrespective of the challenges they might come across. Ms Lydia Ablor, Chairman of the Sub Committee on Women and Children of the Municipal Assembly called for measures to curb prostitution, which according to her was on the ascendancy in the Municipality. She proposed a sustained education programme to counsel the youth to desist from the practise.
