Upper East Regional Inter-Sectoral Gender Network (RISEGNET)

inaugurated.

Bolgatanga, June 3, GNA - A thirteen-member Regional Inter- sectoral Gender Network (RISEGNET) for the Upper East Region has been inaugurated in Bolgatanga at the end of a two-day preparatory workshop with a call on members to work hard to bring about change in the region. The workshop was organized jointly by the National Population Council (NPC) and ActionAid Ghana (AAG) and attended by representatives of District Assemblies, members of civil society groups, governmental agencies and NGOs.

The Regional Minister, Mr. Mahami Salifu said 52 percent of women in the region are not well represented in terms of decision-making, control of resources and various aspect of life.

He said, in a speech read for him, that it was necessary to tap the resources and potential of the women and children in order to develop the region.

He therefore, pledged the support of the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) in attempts to lobby traditional rulers to reform some negative customary practices that affect the development of women and children. The acting Programme Manager of AAG, Mr.Yakubu Mohammed Saani lauded the idea for the formation of the network and said he hoped the network would advocate for the mainstreaming of gender issues in policies and development programmes at all levels.

He appealed for close collaboration among all developmental networks in the region to avoid duplication of efforts and resources and ensure a more coordinated regional development process.

The Regional Population Officer, Mr. Sylvester Agangmikre, on his part pledged the full support of the NPC for the network and said its success will depend on the commitment of members.