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Forum on women's role in peace building held

By GNA
Social News Forum on women's role in peace building held
JAN 20, 2016 LISTEN

Kumasi, Jan. 20, GNA - A day's forum on the national plan of action to enhance women's role in peace building and conflict prevention has been held in Kumasi.

It was organized by the Gender, Children and Social Protection Ministry and brought together, women groups, the security agencies, traditional leaders and civil society organizations.

The implementation of the action plan is in conformity with the resolution on women and peace and security adopted by United Nations (UN) Security Council in year 2000.

Mrs. Augustina Gyamfi, acting Director of the Department of Gender, said it was important to take deliberate steps to deepen women's involvement in every effort for the maintenance of peace and promotion of security.

Additionally it was incumbent on the nation to put in place measures to protect women and girls from gender-based violence.

Ghana has been described as 'Island of peace' in the midst of the civil strife in some African states, because of the over 20 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, but she said, that should not make anybody oblivious of the fact that it has had its share of intra-state conflicts.

Mrs. Gyamfi cited the numerous chieftaincy and land disputes across the country to buttress her assertion.

She spoke of steps taken to establish a ministerial body, comprising the key ministries, to oversee the implementation of the action plan referred to as 'GHANAP'.

She encouraged women to take responsibility and actively participate in conflict management and peace promotion in the society.

Mrs. Euphemia Akos Dzator, International Consultant on Gender and Security, said the forum was meant to help build the capacity of relevant actors, especially women to become agents for peace as the nation prepared to go to elections.

She pointed out the Security Council Resolution was the first formal and legal document to address the plight of women and girls in conflict situations.

'Resolution 1325' urges all actors to increase the participation of women and incorporate gender perspectives in all United Nations peace and security efforts.

GNA

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