Women call for real change during 50th anniversary

The Women’s Movement in Ghana has said that it is time for government and the people of Ghana to recognize and support women’s struggle for full citizenship on the auspicious occasion of the 50th independence anniversary celebrations. According to them although they recognize the passage of the Domestic Violence Bill as a major step towards women enjoying full citizenship within the house and public life, Ghanaians must also seize the 50th anniversary as a golden opportunity to begin to make a real difference in the lives of ordinary women in Ghana. “Celebrations are often a time for euphoria and self congratulation and this is as it should be. However, celebrations such as this are also the time for thoughtful and sober reflection on where we have come from, how we have done so far and where we are going, “ stated a speaker of the movement Madam Dzodzi Tsikata at a press conference in Accra. “In this spirit, we would like to note with disappointment that, while there is much recollection of the role of certain key figures and various social groups in our independence struggle, women’s contributions to the founding of Ghana have not been adequately recognized and honoured.” The movement that include the three main coalitions and networks on women, namely, Network for Women’s Right in Ghana, (NETRIGHT), The Women’s Manifesto Coalition, (WMC) and The Domestic Violence Bill Coalition, expressed these sentiments at a press conference in Accra. Madam Tsikata recalled that women had a special relationship with the anti-colonial struggle which President Nkrumah recognized in his autobiography and rewarded women through his forward looking social and economic policies. She cited the active participation of women in the cocoa hold ups and boycotts of European merchants and the various campaigns against discriminatory practices in employment, marriage, inheritance and social life which were affecting women as some of the commendable roles women played in the anti-colonial struggle. The women’s movement believes that beyond honouring individuals, the nation needs to commemorate the thousands of women who made these immeasurable sacrifices and contributions to the anti-colonial struggle and to the building of post independence Ghana. “A monument for women would be in order and we urge the government and people of Ghana to take up this proposal. Also our history books and our media should recognize women’s contributions as a central part of our history rather than as a footnote.” The movement recommends that the nation reflects soberly on how well it has honoured women, what policies and programmes have been put in place to ensure that their yearning for full citizenship is realized and the achievements of these programmes to be able to recognize their contributions. The group lamented that progress of women in areas such as politics, employment and education (especially tertiary) among others has been slow and painful and that the 50th anniversary must be the starting point to making real differences in the lives of women. Activities line up by the movement to affirm themselves as women during the 50th independence anniversary celebrations include public fora, women’s fair, celebration of women’s art and documentary on women among others. The group called on the president to speedily give his assent on the DV bill, recognising the enormous task ahead in getting the law smoothly implemented. The movement resolved to sustain the advocacy that ensured the passage of the DV law.