Rebecca Akufo-Addo
First Lady, Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo, has charged young women to take up the mantle of gender activism in the country, saying, “the old must give way to the new.”
Speaking at the 2022 commemoration of the International Women’s Day (IWD) held in Kumasi, yesterday, Mrs. Akufo-Addo said the equality front needs new blood, energy, fresher perspective and a new kind of hunger.
She said gender activists over the years have fought to exhaustion and some are no longer incapable of the needed impatience at the obvious gender biases.
“It is now time for our generation to pass on the baton to the next generation. You are now at the frontline for advocating for a gender parity world.
“It is time for you to negotiate your way to equality and the removal of biases, I have no doubt about your ability to do so,” she said.
Mrs. Akufo-Addo paid tribute to all the women and men who have worked for gender parity, adding that substantial progress has been made in gender parity in education, however, gender disparities still remain as women’s representation is still lagging in politics.
“Our constitution guarantees gender equality, however, women still face inequality directly and indirectly through stereotypes and social practices. Gender equality before the law does not translate into reality,” she added.
She assured the young generation of the needed support, insights, resources and years of experience.
Chief of Staff, Frema Osei-Opare said the IWD celebrated in March aims at reflecting on breaking biases and inequality that prevent women from achieving their full potential.
She said research has shown that women have a great impact on the well-being of their family and society but sometimes their potential is not realised because of cultural norms and the right incentives and legal framework.
“Although the status of most women have improved over the last decade, gender biases persist in some parts of our country, it is worthy of note that attaining the rightful place as the female gender certainly does not happen automatically.
“It is time for all women to join hands and renew our pursuit to equality together,” she said.
By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri