Women’s group condemn violence and discrimination against women
The Western Regional Chairperson of the Maritime and Dockworkers Union (MDU), of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Madam Mary Andara has urged society to appreciate the political and socioe-conomic roles women play in the development of the nation and stop all forms of abuse against women.
She said most women have been relegated to the background thereby crippling their initiatives to contribute towards nation building.
Madam Andara was addressing women groups at a symposium to mark International Women’s day celebration in Takoradi.
The event, which was organized by the MDU’s Women’s Committee, was on the theme, “Press for Progress, Violence and Harassing Against Women in the World of Work.
The women had earlier gone on a procession through some principal streets with placards some of which read “press for progress as game changers”, We will forge positive visibility of women, press for progress”, We will challenge stereotypes and bias”, “we will maintain parity”.
Madam Andara said the time had come to abate all forms of violence and marginalisation against women, such as female genital mutilation (FGM), forced marriages and rape among others.
She reiterated the need to ensure gender parity in all fields of endeavour to enable women to play a frontline role in national affairs.
The Western Regional Director of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Nana Yamfoah Amua-Sekyi urged women to see themselves “as a special breed of God who must be treated with dignity.”
She said some men cheat their spouses in property allocation and do not cater for the needs of their children, and discrimination and intimidation at workplaces against women of all forms.
Nana Sekyi encouraged women to pursue education to the highest level and become more industrious and enterprising so that they are not dependent solely on men.
The Western Regional Chairman of the Trades Union Congress Mr Charles Thompson Jnr, said the TUC has formed women committee groups to enable them to unearth their potentialities and steer affairs of national life.
Mr Thompson said some women now play a pivotal role in sensitive positions in the world and urged women to rise up to the challenge and make use of their God-given talents
The Vice-Chairperson of MDU/TUC, Madam Shirley Braimah told the GNA that the rights of women have been trampled on for far too long and called on civil society organizations and human rights activists to champion the cause of women.
Source: GNA