The Association of Women in the Media (ASWIM) has joined the global community to mark International Women’s Day (IWD) 2024, advocating for the accelerated empowerment of women and girls.
This year’s celebration, themed “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” echoes the United Nations’ call to action, emphasizing the critical role of women’s empowerment in overcoming current global crises and achieving sustainable development.
In a statement, the President of ASWIM Mrs. Mavis Kitcher noted that by investing in women, the world can spark change and speed the transition toward a healthier, safer, and more equal society for all
The statement aligns with the United Nations’ stance on the importance of addressing the escalating impacts of climate change, geopolitical conflicts, and poverty through empowering women.
ASWIM also pointed to the significant strides made in Ghana towards empowering women but noted the urgent need for proactive investments, particularly in education, to alleviate the hardships faced by many women in urban poor and rural communities.
The association lauded the commendable efforts at national, non-governmental, corporate, private, and other levels towards this cause.
Stressing the representation of women in decision-making positions, Mrs. Mavis Kitcher commended Ms. Ayorkor Botchwey for her exemplary tenure as Foreign Minister and supported her candidacy for the high international office of Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.
The Association also congratulated Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang on her re-nomination as the running mate to the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress, urging continued support for women in leadership roles across various sectors.
ASWIM, however, expressed concern over the low representation of women in Ghana’s Parliament and other decision-making levels, stating, “It is unfortunate that in our current 275-member Parliament…we are represented by only 40 women.”
The association underscored the necessity of removing barriers and stereotypes that hinder women’s access to important decision-making roles to harness their unique perspectives and contributions toward national development.
In the run-up to the 2024 General Election, ASWIM called on media organizations and women’s groups to support competent female Parliamentary Candidates, emphasizing that such investments would increase women’s representation and contribute to the country’s sustainable development goals.
ASWIM reiterated the urgent call for the passage of the Affirmative Action Bill by Parliament, a move that would significantly propel Ghana towards gender equality and a more inclusive society.
Mrs. Mavis Kitcher stated, “This single action, will no doubt, propel the attainment of gender equality to make our society more inclusive and our development successes truly sustainable.”
