Create inclusive environment to promote diversity – Dr Zakariah

Mr Constant Tchona

The Chief Director of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Afizah Zakariah, has urged the public to create an all-inclusive environment to help promote diversity, investment and effective collaboration for women in the country.

According to her, the nation obliged to integrate gender into national planning and budgeting to address inequalities, leading to gender mainstreaming at all levels.

Mr Constant Tchona (seated second from left) with dignitaries and participants after the programme. Photo. Ebo Gorman ..

“As a nation, we are obliged to integrate gender into national planning and budgeting to address inequalities leading to gender mainstreaming at all levels. I urge us all to create an all-inclusive environment that will help promote diversity, investment and effective collaboration for women in Ghana,” she stated.

Dr Zakariah said this in a speech read on her behalf by the Assistant Programme Officer, Ms Richlove Anima Berchie, at the launch of the National Advocacy Campaign to mark the International Women’s Day.

Organised by Plan International, Ghana in collaboration with Global Affairs Canada, Ghana Enterprise Agency and Environmental Protection Agency, the initiative form part of the Women’s Innovation for Sustainable Enterprise WISE) Project.

The event held in Accra, last Saturday was on the theme: “Fostering Economic Justice and Equality for Women Leaders in Business and Entrepreneurship for Accelerated Economic Growth.”

She commended Plan International for continuous commitment in appreciating the importance of empowering women and advocating for women’s participation in leadership.

She noted that would improve the social position of women by creating economic opportunities for increased women’s control over resources and decision-making at household and community levels.

Speaking on the theme, Dr Zakariah said it was laudable at the time that all efforts were being made to build strong partnerships to break “the glass ceilings” and harness on gains made in promoting gender equality on the continent.

“Indeed, this year’s commemoration presents us with the opportunity to celebrate and invest in the social, economic and political participation of women.

It is also a time for action to highlight the pressing challenges that women continue to face in the areas of discrimination, violence, abuse and economic exclusion by creating a safe space for all women through sustainable investments,” she note.

The Country Director of Plan International, Mr Constant Tchona, said gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls were some of the effective ways to break the cycle of poverty and build a more resilient, peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous society.

Adding that, the project seeks to improve women’s agency, self-esteem, and confidence to exercise and influence decisions regarding their participation in sustainable economic growth.

“This national advocacy campaign is thus, a clarion call for action, a testament to the transformative power of women’s leadership, and a testament to the limitless possibilities that arise when we embrace diversity and inclusivity.

Together, we have the opportunity to redefine leadership, to amplify women’s voices, and to create a future where gender equality is not just a distant dream, but a lived reality,” he stated.

BY CECILIA LAGBA YADA