The Agenda On Women And Children

The Ministry of Women and Children Affairs yesterday began a two-day workshop on the situation of women and children in the country. The Ministry seeks to unify all stakeholders involved in the promotion of gender and children issues and to integrate women and children issues into all sectors of the economy.

In Ghana, population figures indicate that above 51% of the population are women, 75% are women and children, whilst more than 68% of women live in the rural areas and are generally poor. There is therefore gender imbalance and a vulnerable woman in the society.

The theme of the workshop "Promoting Gender Mainstreaming and Children's Rights Protection in Ghana" has the objective of creating a good working relationship between the ministry and the media to help educate the public on the harm of gender imbalances.

The Minister of Women and Children's Affairs, Mrs. Gladys Asmah, said so far the government has disbursed ?5.528 billion to 11,294 women farmers.

Poverty and malnutrition, she said, contribute to the spread of HIV/AIDS and that is why the Ministry is promoting a micro credit fund for women to empower them economically to be able to take of their social and health needs.

She said a three-year programme for unemployed youth will also start next month; an amount of 120 million cedis has been voted towards it.

The Ministry will also launch a programme to curb the incidence of child trafficking. Areas earmarked for this exercise are Kokrobite, Apam, Momford, Ada Ekumfi and Senya.

Mrs. Asmah said her concern is that women are unable to relate to each other, which impedes their development. She said a door has been opened with the creation of the new ministry and the time has come for women to look at themselves in a different light especially the educated.

The UNDP Resident Representative Mr. Alfred Sallia Fawundu said much more needs to be done since significant gender inequalities continue to limit women in reaching their full potential and contributing to national development.

He pledged the support of the UN system in all attempts at promoting gender issues in Ghana.

The Minister of Communication and Technology, Mr. Felix Owusu-Adjapong who represented the Vice President, said the government will continue to explore avenues that would enhance the proper development and welfare of women and children of the country.

"'Promoting gender mainstreaming and children's rights' should be seen as a measure of government preparedness to come to grips with all factors militating against the advancement of women and children in national development," he said.