First Lady encourages women to set high standards

Accra, Nov. 7, GNA - The First Lady, Mrs. Theresa Kufuor, has encouraged women in political positions not only to serve as role models but also mentor others to further expand the frontiers. This, she said, demanded total commitment and the maintenance of high standards in their interactions with their colleagues as well as the overall output in the job.

She said, she had every reason to believe that by so doing, they would one day look back and say: "It was worthwhile." Mrs. Kufuor was interacting with women Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Members of Parliament (MPs) and spouses of both Ministers and the Presidential aspirants of the ruling New Patriotic Party's (NPP) at the Castle Gardens on Wednesday.

She said, while the Government made determined efforts at gender mainstreaming, it was important that women themselves took steps to ensure that they were not marginalized. The First Lady said she was impressed with the increase in the number of women elected to Parliament and those elevated to Ministerial positions.

Mrs Kufuor used the occasion to counsel the wives of the party's presidential aspirants, telling them that the task they were about to undertake was a difficult and challenging one. It could be chaotic at times, she stated, adding that, she was confident that they understood their responsibilities and would contribute positively to the endeavours of their husbands. "I am proud of all of you and I hope many other women would take the mantle and contribute to the development of our country."