MESSAGE TO THE YOUTH OF GHANA ON INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

Connecting girls, inspiring futures! A powerful, strong and assuring theme for raising the standards of peace, tolerance, gender equality and respect for women's rights at all levels of society. This year's theme supports the notion of integrating together fresh minds to constructively strategize on creating role models in the community to impact the lives of young women.

The National Youth Authority believes the time has come to guide the next generation of brilliant, strong and virtuous young women with an unshakable sense of integrity in the society by networking them through the Gender Network to enable them work together to inspire their futures by encouraging and motivating them to be self-disciplined, visionary, responsible to self as the architects of their own futures and working together in harmony with others. Young women need a paradigm shift from individualism to interdependence and support of one another as one people.

Young women are capable, creative, energetic and prolific. These qualities we feel can be channeled to build strong nations and make a unique contribution to to national development.

Today the world presents a better platform for young girls and women to network and raise their voice unlike decades ago where women were treated in many unequal ways to men. Women have had to struggle to gain recognition in the areas of politics, economics, employment amongst others. Progress has been made but the struggle for gender equality and women's freedom continues.

We urge society as a whole to reach out to all young girls, women, and mothers to show some appreciation on this day. The National Youth Authority, continues to be committed to empowering young girls and women to inspire their futures. As an Authority, we are committed to investing in and building up responsible young women who will make informed decisions freely, and take responsibility for their lives.

In order to attain the Millennium Development Goal of promoting gender equality and women empowerment, we appeal to all national stakeholders to work towards respecting and observing women rights, and including women in decision making processes. We implore young girls and women to stand up to their roles, set achievable goals, be visionary and persevering in their resolve to attain great hieghts.

In celebrating women and their achievements we recognize that a sustainable society is one that includes gender equality. So as we celebrate International Womens Day, we also acknowlegde the role of young boys and young men and how they can assist in achieving the gender parity we all strive for.

We wish all women, particularly young women well in all their endeavors.

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY!