The Minister for Women’s Affairs, Mrs Gladys Asmah, is reported as saying that women had a role to play in mediation and peacekeeping, stressing that the issues of war and peace should not be left to men alone.
Speaking at a seminar commemorating this year’s International Women’s Day at the Trade Fair Centre at La, Accra, she said although many women’s groups and NGOs had condemned the proliferation of weapons, governments worldwide continued to indulge in excessive military spending.
“Women can effectively avert decisions leading to war when they are in positions to influence policies, take decisions and are well informed and empowered to take their rightful positions economically, socially and politically.”
The participation of women in conflict resolution, she stressed, should be seen as their right and their experiences recognised as valuable.
Mrs Asmah said the African Platform for Action and the Global Platform for Action enjoined all governments to ensure gender parity in peace negotiation and conflict resolution, hence governments should take concrete steps to involve women in conflict prevention management and resolution.
She stated that the NPP government was committed to addressing the issue of armed conflict, while the Women’s Ministry would create the environment conducive to the full integration of women into development process of the nation, as well as vigorously encourage the increase in participation of women in conflict resolution.
Source: GhanaWeb
