International Women’s Day (iwd)-health Walk

International Women's Day is celebrated on the 8th of March every year to reflect on progress made on the advancement of women's human rights, celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities. With 2015 being the end year to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDG), this year's International Women's Day is an opportunity to review the progress and challenges since the Beijing Platform for Action was endorsed some 20 years ago.

The global theme for the 2015 International Women's Day is “Empowering Women, Empowering Humanity; Picture it!

Under the local theme, “Beijing+20, Advancing Women's Empowerment,” the International Women's Day 2015 acknowledges that Ghana has attained many successes in women's empowerment although it remains an unfinished business.

On 28th March, 2015 UNAIDS, Accra Metropolitan Assembly, Ghana AIDS Commission, and STRATCOMM Africa in collaboration with other partners will hold a health walk, dubbed Women's Health Walk. The walk, which is aimed at drawing public attention to the need to continue efforts to empower women, will begin at 6:30 am from the Osu Police Station in Accra and proceed through the John Evans Atta-Mills High Street and end at Mantse Agbona in James Town Accra.

The walk targets over 1000 women in communities who are considered to be in the informal sector and who are likely to be left behind in women's empowerment events. It will mobilise these women along its route. Young women from the University of Ghana, female Ambassadors of State, female Ministers and Members of Parliament and female UN Agency Heads, including the UN Resident Coordinator will also participate in the walk.

The walk aims at raising awareness about women's empowerment issues, economic empowerment including sexual and reproductive health issues (specifically HIV prevention, treatment and care). UNAIDS, GAC and AMA will adopted the Protect the Goal Campaign to advocates for safe sex through three key messages: use condom, know your status and reduce sex partners. STRATCOMM Africa's affiliate NGO, Center for development and Intercultural Communication (CEDIC) working with one of its Youth Drama Groups, CEDIC Perfect Stars will transmit empowerment messages through drama and dance.

At Mantse Agbona, the gathering will be treated to innovative edutainment skits and musical programs that communicate the message of the need for empowering women for community advancement and national development.

The program will also offers opportunities for the public to test for HIV status, access condoms and Information Education and Communication materials on various empowerment issues.

Contact: Helen Odido l UNAIDS I Email [email protected] I Tel 0269778998

Linda Mireku, STRATCOMM Africa I [email protected] I 0247278195