Madam Efua Yankson, a Deputy Chief Investigator at the Western Regional office of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), has called on all relevant actors and stakeholders in society to do their part to build a safer, more equitable, inclusive, and resilient future that harnesses the power of women and girls within their communities, societies and nation at large.
She intimated that despite the progress made in the course of women empowerment, women and girls across the globe do not fully experience equal rights and their potentials as economic, social and sustainable development change agents remain untapped.
“In view of the positive impact gender equality has on the development of society, we urge all to strive to promote and achieve gender equality. This will promote an all-inclusive business sector that fosters a thriving economy, poverty alleviation, better healthcare, high literacy rates and good governance”, she opined.
Madam Yankson who was speaking in an interview with the igoghana argued that advancing gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls was not only a basic human right, but it’s also crucial for a sustainable future.
She, therefore, applauded the gallant men who have staunchly supported women’s empowerment and lauded the achievements of women especially, those who never stopped trying one more time and also inspired the women to believe in themselves and stand for each other.
“To create an inclusive world, let us remove gender bias and inequality, by ensuring that every woman makes a beginning somewhere. The willingness to do something or achieve something matters a lot. Hence, as individuals, let us challenge stereotypes, fight bias, broaden perceptions, improve situations and celebrate the achievements of women in society”, she emphasized.
Madam Yankson enlightened that gender equality does not necessarily mean that everyone was treated exactly the same, but the state of equal ease of access to resources and opportunities, including economic participation and decision-making, and the state of valuing different behaviours, aspirations, and needs equally, regardless of gender.
She defined gender equality as when people of all genders have equal rights, responsibilities, and opportunities and said reducing inequalities strengthens economies, establishes more stable and just societies, promote social development and build resilient societies that give all individuals, including boys and men the opportunity to fulfil their potential.
She stressed that it was refreshing to note that the activism and advocacy of generations of women have borne some fruits in that there have been more girls in school than ever before as well as more women are doing paid work and in senior roles in the public and private sector, academia, politics and in international organizations.
According to her, this year’s theme echoes Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 which underscores women’s empowerment as an important development objective and also highlights the relevance of gender equality in addressing a wide range of global challenges.
Madam Yankson announced that International Women’s Day 2022 is being celebrated across the globe on March 8 every year where the day is set aside as an exclusive day for women to acknowledge their existence and celebrate womanhood.
The focus of this year’s International Women’s Day celebration is unveiled under the theme, “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow.
As we celebrate this year’s International Women’s Day, the igoghana recognizes and applaud the important contributions of women as decision-makers, stakeholders, experts and educators across all spheres of life.
