She explained that they were being guided by the sustainable development goal (SDG) 4, which aimed at achieving gender equity, social inclusiveness and human right for all. Madam Hajara was speaking at the opening of a two-day workshop, organised by STAR-Ghana for their partners in Kumasi.

The workshop which is dubbed “Social Inclusion for Sustainable Development”, is to facilitate the development, strengthening of linkages between the small grants and strategic partners and stakeholders.  It is aimed at helping them to reflect on national development priorities, examine the linkages between civil society and the state, reflect on the progress they have on national issues and plan the way forward.

Madam Hajara noted that STAR-Ghana sought to ensure that all Ghanaians were able to make their voices heard and were actively involved in policy decisions and accountability processes that affected their lives. They also support approaches that ensure equal chances for every human being.

Madam Teiko Sabah, Head of Programmes for STAR-Ghana, said they were committed to providing space for learning, capturing, documenting disseminating and sharing ideas and replication where feasible and called for change in structures, systems, norms and traditional beliefs which kept women marginalised and socially excluded.

She added that they were moving to an independent national entity, and ensure that those marginalised were included in policy decision making. Mrs Racheal Agbenyadzi, a Capacity Building Manager, who spoke on ‘Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI)’, said the objective of GESI was to ensure that gender inequalities were driven by systemic challenges.

She said they would secure women’s rights, and those who were in marginalised situations would be empowered in decision making.She advocated a fairer society where everyone had a voice in decision making.