The Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA) in partnership with the Center for Muslim Youth in Peace and Development (CMYPD) commemorated the IWD 2022 with young women in the Nima community of the Ayawaso East Municipal Assembly in Accra.  The event which was under the theme “Equipping young women with knowledge and capacity for leadership in a gender-equal and sustainable tomorrow”, brought together 100 young women and girls in and around Nima a largely Muslim community.

The Special Guest for the event was Haijia Hamdatu Ibrahim Haruna, a Leading Member of the Convention People’s Party (CPP) expressed deep worries about the low participation of women in politics although the 1992 constitution recognised equal rights for all citizens regardless of gender and prohibited biases or discrimination in any for form or shape. She further encouraged the young women to rise above their fears and compete for higher political portfolios rather than sticking to the lower ranks.  

The key objective of the event was to sensitise and empower young women to overcome the cultural and traditional biases against women as per the campaign theme #breakthebaise.

Madam Hamdatu indicated that breaking the bias should be done in a more persuasive manner and called on parents to allow their female child to choose their career path. In addition, Mr. Habib Kamaldeen, who was a guest panellist at the event  also called on the religions and traditional leaders to sharpen their thoughts on gender-related issues and see women as partners in development.    

Other prominent women in attendance were the following; Madam Rukayi Musah the Assembly Woman Nima EAST Electoral Area, Hajia salaam Mohammed – National Coordinator for the Federation of Zogo Women, Hajia Adizatu Adamu Deputy Chairperson-NIMA Market Women Association, Kenda Alhassan Communication officer- Centre for Muslim Youth in Peace and Development and Fatimatu Mohammed leader for Zongo Ladies for Development.   Participants commended FOSDA for bringing the event to Nima and expressed joy and satisfaction for the honour done them.