Mrs Jane Quaye, Executive Director of the International Federation of Women Lawyers in Ghana (FIDA-Ghana), has advocated that women should be given equal access to justice to deepen the country's democracy.
    

She said human rights was core to promoting democratic governance and "If the country is to develop, then women must have access to justice at all levels in the justice delivery system".
    

Mrs  Quaye made the call when she inaugurated the Sister Watch Committee, a group that seeks to educate illiterate rural women on gender issues and women's rights, in Mbanayili, near Tamale last Wednesday.
    

 She observed that men infringed upon the rights of many women, especially those in the rural areas adding that when women complained about inhuman treatment their actions were considered as "disrespectful and insubordination".
   

 Miss Saratu Mahama, Coordinator of FIDA in Tamale, noted that although women played a vital roles in maintaining the homes and in national development they faced human rights violations.
    

She said such women who lacked education, were denied access to natural resources and not allowed to take control over their reproductive rights and to participate in the decision-making process.
   

 "It is the belief of FIDA that if the violation of women rights is reduced, women's social and economic status will be enhanced and they will be able to contribute more meaningfully to the development of the country."
    

 The Committee called "Nsonda" meaning "my helper", in Dagbani, was also expected to  liaise with FIDA paralegal Centres in the area to promote the rights of women.
Additionally, the Committee would ensure that women collectively protect their rights and dialogue with community leaders on cultural practices that infringe upon the rights of women.

 

ISD Reporter

Posted: 29/06/07

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