NCCE Engages Nima Women Groups on Democracy and Elections.

Accra: The Ayawaso East Municipal Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has engaged women groups in Nima on Ghana's democratic and electoral practices. The Town Hall meeting of these groups also aimed to sensitize the women on overcoming challenges faced in their quest to participate in democratic governance and electoral processes.According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Imurana Mohammed, Director of Programmes at NCCE, highlighted the theme 'Empowering Women for Active Participation in Democracy and Governance,' noting that while women make up a significant portion of Ghana's population, their contributions in governance and public spaces remain limited. He emphasized the importance of full participation by women in communities like Nima in electoral activities, particularly as misinformation and disinformation pose threats to peace, security, and democracy.Dr. Mohammed pointed out that many communities, including Nima, have gaps in knowledge about the laws governing the procedure s and processes of the 2024 general election. He stressed the need for regular activities to bridge this gap. The women groups engaged included queenmothers, market women, artisans' associations, traders, and students. Discussions covered topics such as the role of women in elections and governance, constitutional rights, the Affirmative Action Act, and women's perspectives on leadership.The women participants identified lack of financial support, lack of confidence, hostile attitudes from husbands, and challenges from broken homes and marriages as hurdles in engaging in local governance and nation-building activities. Madam Portia Akpene Adzakra, Municipal Director of NCCE, emphasized the program's focus on using women as conduits for promoting peace, especially in the lead-up to elections, as women play influential roles in the lives of young people.Madam Adzakra remarked that the constitution does not discriminate against women in taking up roles or duties, expressing hope that the activity would enlig hten and motivate women to contribute to national development. Hajia Bintah Haruna, Queenmother of Zamaramas, Greater Accra, encouraged women to be assertive and confident, urging them to take up roles within their communities and educate their children, particularly girls.