Tema, Aug 29, – Ghanaian women have been called upon to come out of their shells and relinquish all cultural practices which hinder their participation in politics. They should change their attitude towards politics and venture into areas where men have been trying to make progress without success because ”educated women can do anything possible”. The call was made by the visiting Canadian women municipal politicians, led by Miss Joanne Monaghan, chairperson of the regional district of Kitimat Stikme in Canada, when they interacted with women Members of Parliament and the municipal assembly at Tema today. While here the women from the Federation of Canadian Municipality will sign an agreement with the National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana (NALAG). Miss Monaghan urged Ghanaian women to play a pro-active role in politics by selecting issues which they know can be successful and vie for positions where they know men do not show interest. She said with continuous education women would be empowered and their co-operation sought on political issues. The MP for Kpone/Katamanso, Ms Beatrice Naa Afieye Ashong, said with the introduction of the District Assembly concept in Ghana and, under the auspices of the National Commission on Women and Development and the 31st December Women’s Movement, Ghanaian women have been encouraged to take up politics which hitherto had been the preserve of men. Ms Ashong, who is also the municipal organiser of the movement, said awareness has been created now but there is the need to educate women through forums and workshops.
