Accra: Dr. Rita Udor, a Lecturer at the SDD University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (SDD-UBIDS), emphasized the need for tangible actions rather than mere discussions on gender equality and women empowerment. She urged successive governments to fulfill their promises of empowering women, including the implementation of laws designed to promote gender equality.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Udor highlighted the significance of the Affirmative Action Act, 2024 (Act 1121), stating that its proper implementation could significantly advance gender equity in Ghana. Speaking during the International Women's Day (IWD) celebrations in Wa, she remarked, "If we should even implement 20 percent of the laws that we have, the conditions of women will be better than what we are seeing today."
The event, organized by the Socialist Movement of Ghana (SMG) and UBIDS Collective, was themed 'Accelerating Action for National Development and Growth' and included participants from basic and tertiary institutions within the Wa Municipality. March 8 is celebrated globally as IWD to honor women's achievements and advocate for breaking barriers to their active participation in national development.
Dr. Udor, serving as the guest speaker, expressed concern that despite women's significant roles in politics and economic activities, their contributions to the nation's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) were often undervalued. She emphasized the importance of including women in decision-making processes to ensure development policies are inclusive and address women's specific needs and challenges.
Dr. Eunice Yorgri, a member and Patron of SMG, acknowledged the efforts women are making to overcome barriers and contribute to national development. She advocated for a collective effort to ensure women's voices are included in national discourse. Dr. Yorgri explained that the event aimed to expose women to opportunities that could help them succeed and contribute to sustainable national development.
Ms. Loretta Naa Dei Ashie, the National Women's Commissioner of SMG, appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to fulfill his campaign promise of providing sanitary pads to girls in basic schools within his first 120 days in office. She urged Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson to allocate funds for these sanitary products in his upcoming budget presentation to Parliament on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.
