Ghana Took Part In The 61st session of the Commission on the Status of Women In New York

The 61st session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), the principal global body dedicated to the promotion of gender equality has opened ( Monday, March 13, 2017) in earnest at the United Nations headquarters, New York.

The two-weeks event has the priority theme "Women's Empowerment in the changing world of work". It is also reviewing " Challenges and Achievements in the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals for women and girls for the 58th session of the CSW. Apart from the official meetings, there are High level discussions and side events.

Ghana's delegation is headed by the Gender, Children and Social Protection Minister, Ms. Otiko Afisah Djaba, and includes Parliamentarians, queen mothers, market women, women's organizers and farmers.

The UN Secretary General, Mr. Antonio Guterres in his opening statement praised the Member states, UN entities, ECOSOC accredited non- governmental organizations from all over the world for raising their voices for women equality and dignity.

"I have seen the difference you make in every corner of the our globe. You are an inspiration. As you champion equality, you make the world better for all", Mr. Guterres said.

In his view women already have what it takes to succeed, explaining that "Men still dominate, even in countries that consider themselves as progressive. Male chauvinism blocks women- and that hurts everyone. We are all better off when we open doors of opportunity for women and girls: in classrooms and boardrooms, in military ranks and at peace talks, in all aspects of productive life".

The Secretary General who announced that he was joining the International Gender Champions, encouraged other senior leaders to be part of the campaign for equality.

To this end, he touched on the new steps to help end sexual exploitation and abuse committed under the UN flag, by deploying more women in uniform and more women leaders in the UN.

Meanwhile, on the sides of the session, Ghana's Gender Minister, Ms. Otiko Djaba has held bilateral talks with Ms. Karen Ellemann,the Minister of Equal Opportunities and Nordic Cooperation of Denmark on how their respective countries can address common goals and challenges to achieve gender equality in the world of work. Present was Ms. Patricia Appiagyei, Member for P.arliament for Asokwa.