UNDP marks International Women’s Day with a call to empower young Women in decision making

Every year on 8^th March, International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated to commemorate and honor women’s accomplishments, raise awareness about gender disparities and discrimination as well as promote global support for women.

As part of efforts to mark this year’s IWD celebration, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ghana in partnership with Renel Ghana Foundation organised an interactive dialogue with experts, activists, and concerned citizens. The aim is to address the urgent need to invest in young women’s political participation and also empower women participation through education, advocacy and empowerment.

The Head of Inclusive Growth and Governance at UNDP Ghana, Ampratwum Edward, encouraged individuals to take a stand against gender disparities and ensure inclusive societies where all individuals, regardless of their gender, have equal rights, opportunities, and access to resources.

“We need to invest in spaces where women are well-represented. This will enable them play pivotal roles during decision making to shape a future of limitless possibilities”.

Honorable Dzifa Gomashie, Member of Parliament, Ketu South Constituency said there is the need for continuous efforts in empowering more women to take up political roles, emphasizing that empowerment should not be a one-time event. She stressed the need for ongoing support to include young women and maintain the momentum in empowerment initiatives.

Sarah Kekeli Akunor, women’s commissioner for Greater Accra Youth Network also made a call to all “let us make a solemn pledge to dismantle barriers and champion inclusivity for every individual, irrespective of ability. Together, we have the power to construct a society where everyone, including those with disabilities, can actively engage and contribute to shaping a brighter future for all”.

The event served as a platform to inspire positive change and encourage increased participation of women, particularly young women, in political spheres for a more inclusive and progressive future.

The speakers for this year’s IWD event were; Levlyn Konadu Asiedu (National Coordinator, CSOs platform on SDGs), Esther Akua Gyamfi (Executive Secretary National Council on Persons with Disability), Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie (MP for Ketu South Constituency), Dr. Peter Obeng Asamoah (Country Director, Ghana Blind Union), Sarah Kekeli Akunor (Women Commissioner, Greater Accra Regional Youth Network) and Jemima Michael (Programme Analyst –UNDP Ghana).