Women are driving force for economic development – Dapaah

Acting Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Mrs. Cecilia Abena Dapaah has hinted that women are the driving force of every economic transformation as well as the development of communities and societies.

She said women must be empowered since they are the integral parts of development and change agents in every field of endeavour hence the need to adequately resource them to contribute their quota effectively and efficiently for economic growth.

At the launch of the 2022 International Women’s Day in Accra organised by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection which was supported by European Union and Global Affairs Canada was on the theme, “Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow #Break Barriers”, Mrs Dapaah said the world will not witness growth and development if challenges confronting women are not adequately addressed.

She added that it is for this reason that the United Nations have set aside on its calendar to celebrate women across the world of the great strides and achievements in nation building.

She further explained that the global climate change as well as the Covid-19 pandemic have impacted negatively on the lives every citizen and their work and therefore, women, girls and the vulnerable must be given the needed support to live up to their roles in the society.

According to her women are more prone to climate change impacts than men as they constitute the majority of the global poor.

She therefore challenge women’s group as well as stakeholders in the gender value chain to involve women in the methods of addressing climate change.

The Gender Minister noted that gender equality and climate change is key to the country’s development, adding that, the policy frameworks must focus more on gender equality and production.

The UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Charles Abani said women and girls must be empowered to help develop innovative solutions to support the socio-economic of their respective communities.

The Deputy Head of Missions among the E.U. Delegation to Ghana, Mr. Pieter Smith Van-Gelder also said women must be supported in the cause of climate change and assured the EU’s support in the bid to enhance gender equality for economic growth and development.

Activities lined-up for the week-long celebration includes ‘What Do You Know Quiz’, seminar, cooking competition, among others in all the regions across the country.

Source: Ben Laryea