Takoradi: Madam Elizabeth Ekua-Nyarko Patterson, the founder and Director of the Girls' Education Initiative of Ghana, has made a fervent appeal to educational institutions and the general populace of Ghana to prioritize gender inclusion, particularly for women and girls with disabilities or special needs. She shared her personal experiences as a person with disability during an event organized by the Centre for Gender and Advocacy, in celebration of this year's International Women's Day. The event, held in Takoradi, focused on the theme 'Accelerating for Women and Girls: Advancing Equity and Empowerment.'
According to Ghana News Agency, Madam Patterson emphasized the importance of including women with special needs in the developmental process as Ghana moves forward. She highlighted the significant progress made in gender inclusion over the years but stressed the need not to leave behind women and girls with disabilities or special needs. She urged the nation to implement inclusive practices in all national development processes.
Madam Patterson called on policymakers and educators to go beyond crafting well-written policies and focus on tangible implementation. She pointed out the existence of the National Gender Policy, Gender Equity and Social Inclusion Strategy, and several other policies aimed at inclusion, yet noted the lack of their real-life application, especially in educational settings for students with special needs.
Encouraging girls with disabilities to believe in their potential, Madam Patterson cited her own life as evidence of what could be achieved. Meanwhile, Madam Eva Ankrah, Founder and Director of Human Rights and Development Services, discussed the theme 'Pioneering Women in Politics, Business, and Technology: Success Stories and the Way Forward.' She highlighted the historical and present-day contributions of women and proposed strategies to boost female representation in leadership.
Madam Ankrah acknowledged the progress of women from pre-colonial times to present-day Ghana but pointed out the low representation of women in Ghanaian politics, with women making up only 14 percent of Parliament and holding just two cabinet positions. She advocated for affirmative action and encouraged women to pursue opportunities in business and technology, emphasizing initiatives like the Ghana Enterprises Agency's support for SMEs.
Mr. Joseph Nelson, the Western Regional Minister, noted the advancements made by women, particularly in academia, where more women are attaining professorships and leadership roles. He reiterated the government's commitment to removing barriers hindering women's full participation in national development, acknowledging that women still have a long way to go.
Evangelist Prof. Anthony Joe Turkson, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences at Takoradi Technical University, underscored the need for urgent action to dismantle barriers preventing women from achieving their potential. He urged institutions, communities, and individuals to support women in leadership, business, and education.
The event's Chairperson, Nana Kofi Abuna V, Chief of Essipong, recognized the essential role women play in society and highlighted challenges they face. She advocated for the promotion of girls' education and empowerment, increased representation in leadership positions, equal pay, economic opportunities for women, and an end to gender-based violence and harassment.
Prof. Ann Dodor, Director of the TTU's Centre for Gender and Advocacy (CEGENDA), called for bold steps to accelerate gender equality and reaffirmed the University's commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where women can thrive. She highlighted CEGENDA's ongoing advocacy efforts, encouraging attendees to engage in meaningful discussions for lasting change.
The event concluded with a panel discussion and open forum, inspiring and challenging girls and women to make a difference in their communities.
