Socio-economic development of women enhances democracy Minister

The physical and socio-economic development of women had proven to be a critical tool for sustainable development, ensuring world peace and the advancement of democracy.
Hajia Alima Mahama, Minister of Women and Children's Affairs said it was also an essential tool to achieving transparency and accountability in the governance of every nation.
Hajia Mahama speaking at a day's seminar organized by the NUGS, GNUPS in collaboration with the Ministry noted that it was for that cause that women all over the world and especially, in Ghana needed to be empowered to take part in decision making processes.
The seminar on the theme: 'Women Empowerment the Role of The Ghanaian Woman in Leadership' brought together women's commissioners of the various tertiary institutions across the country to deliberate and chart a new cause in student's politics and leadership.
She said, although there had been a minimal increase in the number of women at the various district, ministries, department and agencies there is the need for increment since women formed about 53 per cent of the country's population.
Nana Oye Lithur, Women's Right Activist, who spoke on equality in the political system of Ghana urged women to identify a course and fight it out
to bring out the needed change.
She noted that a World Bank report had indicated that women were less corrupt and therefore had the potential to propel Ghana into the Middle
Income Status when given the chance.
Nana Lithur alluded to the classical example of an otherwise illiterate woman, the legendary Yaa Asantewaa who galvanized her people to realize the needed change from British domination in the nineteen century.
“Do not be confined with your degrees but get up and work both at the students, local and national levels for the course of women,” she added.
Mrs. Magdalene Kaini of the Local Government Institute said discrimination against women still existed and called on women who have made it to the top of the social ladder to actively join the campaign against unfair treatment to women by their male counterparts.
Ms. Adiza Moro, Women's Commissioner, GNUPS called on all political parties to consider women as their running mates saying, “this will ensure fair representation on the decision-making ladder”.
Nana Banyin Pratt, Lecturer, GIMPA urged the women to take the initiative of empowering themselves seriously through the acquisition of knowledge to enable them to actively participate in decision-making.