Ms Theresa Dickson, Western Regional Coordinator of Girl-Child unit of the Ghana Education Service, on Tuesday reminded Ghanaians that educating the girl-child would help prevent early marriage, reduce birth rate, afford women decent jobs and make them independent.
She said an educated woman unlike the uneducated one could better support the family and society.
Ms Dickson, who was speaking at the International Women’s Day celebration at Agona-Nkwanta, asked parents to consider the education of the girl-child a priority.
She said the theme for the event: “Equal access to education, training and science and Technology; Pathway to decent work for women”, was chosen to emphasize the need for the girl-child to be educated particularly in the sciences.
Ms Dickson said: “The notion that the study of Science, Technology and Mathematics is the preserve of boys is outmoded and widely disapproved”.
Mr. John Hackman, Regional Director of Department of Women, observed that unequal access to education has prevented women from getting better employment opportunities.
He noted that the gap dividing boys and girls in school enrolment, completion and achievement had long been highlighted as a significant disparity in the education system.
Mr. Jones Amoah, District Chief Executive of Ahanta-West, appealed to parents to stop spending lavishly on social events such as funerals and rather invest in the education of their children.
He said it was crucial for female students to venture into the sciences, which play a significant role in development.