Government and other stakeholders have been called upon to support women’s leadership and participation of rural women in shaping laws, policies, and programmes.
The support should touch on all issues that affect their lives including improved food and nutrition security, and better rural livelihoods.
Madam Hanifa Fuseini, Northern Regional Coordinator, Girls Education Unit, Ghana Education Service, who made the call, said women were key agents of development, and played roles towards economic transformation, and environmental and social change.
She was speaking during this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration organised by CAMFED Ghanan Association (CAMA) at Yilonayili in the Sagnarigu Municipality of the Northern Region.
It was to educate the community members on the benefits of investing in women and girls’ education to drive progress and achieve gender equality.
Madam Fuseini noted that empowering women was essential, not only for the well-being of individuals, families, and rural communities but also for the country’s productivity.
She said early marriage, teenage pregnancy, and school drop-out were major challenges, especially in the remote areas and could have many negative consequences on women’s empowerment.
She appealed to parents to take responsibility for their children’s welfare for them to become responsible leaders to support the development of their communities.
Mr Alhassan Imoro, Social Welfare Officer at Sagnarigu Municipal Assembly noted that women in the rural areas needed training to equip them with skills to pursue new livelihoods and adopt technology to their needs.