International women’s day celebrations each year give us the opportunity to take stock of the gender equality agenda and to review and accelerate steps towards a more equitable world. It is also a time to celebrate the achievements of women and their contribution to sustainable societies. This year’s theme: ‘ Gender Equity Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow’ rightly demands of us to find equitable solutions to the ever gaping disparities between men and women as well as boys and girls. It is time to pass the affirmative action bill in Ghana and other West African countries who have not done so yet. It is time to deliberately create spaces for women and girls to participate and also be protected from societal biases that limit the girl and woman from achieving their full potential and exercising their full rights. A Tomorrow without women’s full participation is not sustainable. Development cannot be sustained when over 50% of the population are not equally participating.
FOSDA calls on Governments in Africa to be gender sensitive and pass affirmative actions now.
Happy International Women’s Day to all Women. Let’s unite our voices and call for Affirmative Action now.