By: Emmanuel Oti Acheampong
In a fast moving world where we find ourselves, women are gradually climbing up the ladder to defy all odds that were labelled against them.
This gradual heights being attained by women cut across all spheres of this world. It is worth knowing that in all the 17 Sustainable Development Goals by the United Nations, women are identified. This do not only signify how important women are but the need for them to be aided to attain Higher heights for a better world.
In a developing scenario, where Women are mostly sidelined when it comes matters of security and peacekeeping, Canada’s Elsie Initiative which aims to give support to women in the pursuit of peace and Security has collaborated with the United Nations to put together a documentary which is set to empower women.
During a panel discussion on how women can be empowered to help in the peace and security agenda of the United Nations, the Senior Gender Specialist at the United Nations Women, Madam Afua Ansre charged the government and the entire Ghanaian community to heavily invest in women.
Madam Ansre’s comments came on the back of a successful story documented on Captain Esinam D. Baah of the Ghana Armed Forces who was dispatched to help in peacekeeping in Lebanon. The documentary detailed her impact in the team of peacekeepers and how important her inclusion as a woman was to the course of maintaining peace.
According to Madam Ansre, when Women are invested into, it empowers them to go further in life. She added that, they are able to make efficient decisions that help turn situations around.
She further called on all Ghanaians ahead of the December 7th elections to vote massively for any woman they see on the ballot paper. She urged them to be blind on party affiliations and vote for all women contesting in the elections so that the percentage representing women in parliament can see a rise.
Madam Ansre’s call for women investment was supported by the Deputy Director, Faculty of Academic Affairs and Research at the Kofi Annan International Peace Keeping Centre, Dr. Emma Birikorang. She advocated for a change of mind of perception from both the women and men.
According to her when there is a change of mind, everything seems positive and attainable. She also urged women to test the laws in the country so that they get to know where their strengths are.
