Mouthpiece For Ghana Women Launched

The first ever Newspaper dedicated to the course of women named the 'The Women Advocate' was launched in Accra last Thursday with the aim of speaking on behalf of the Ghanaian women. It is also intended to project the values and principles of the woman positively and seeks to create a platform for men and women to dialogue and support women in societies.

The paper is aimed at reaching out to women and children in rural communities as well as urban areas to help develop their career through education, vocation and small community initiatives that generate income to meet their basic needs.

The paper will not only be for urban women but will be at the grass root level and initiate conversations and discussions at the local level.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister for Women and Children's Affairs, Hon Akua Sena Dansua to launch the Paper, a Counselor at the Women's Department at the Ministry, Mrs Juliana Amponsah, called on the editorial team to make the 12 pillars of women's concern adopted at the Beijing Conference their focal point of operation.

According to her the Paper must be able to inform and educate the Ghanaian woman on issues concerning their total wellbeing, health issues, and education and help the woman make informed decisions about her life.

She said 'The Women Advocate' should seek to make the woman an achiever, adding that the educated woman will intend make informed decisions thus achieving their goals.

The Counselor asked the Editor to let the paper present a great opportunity for all in society to understand that violence against women are issues that should be addressed by all.

She observed Government's commitment of fulfilling the 40 percent promise made during the campaign season, citing some appointments made by the President as  laudable.

The Public Relations Officer of the Paper, Mrs Aku Xornam, noted that most women, predominantly those in the rural communities, are accused of witchcraft when there are suspected challenges in the family, this she said the paper will address.

Faustina Fynn-Nyame, the Country Director of Marie Stopes International, hoped that the boy and the girl child will grow to understand the issues of the right of the woman and how they are faced with challenges in some societies.

She lauded the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) but was quick to add that it has to be comprehensive enough to accommodate some reproductive illness that women face.