CARE International, a Non Governmental Organization working in Ghana to promote effective representation and participation of women and the youth in the decision-making process on platforms in public and private places, underscored the need to allow women to actively participate in governance since they were more proactive at delivering services and accountability.

Madam Rahinatu Fuseini, the Monitoring and Evaluation Advisory Coordinator for CARE International, who made the call in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Garu, noted that the organization was aimed at creating an avenue to empower poor and vulnerable women and youth aged 15-25 in rural and urban areas of Ghana, to have sustainable and dignified livelihoods and a voice to effect change.

She said educating women and the youth on their rights, roles and responsibilities, advocating gender-sensitive services from public and other service providers, and advocating for women and youth’s access to key resources would prepare them adequately to perform any responsibility assigned them.

She said promoting equitable household relationships that uphold the rights and capabilities of women and the youth were positive aspects that would make poor and vulnerable women understand their role in society.

Madam Fuseini mentioned that including women in governance would go a long way to halt some negative social practices including child-marriage, early marriage and domestic violence among others in society, because every woman would have something to do.

Madam Fuseini said that women would gain confidence to openly express their views in public without being intimidated, have the courage to access land for farming, and discuss their challenges with their husbands without fear.

The Coordinator challenged government to give about 80 per cent appointment of the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executive (MMDCE’s) positions to women and see a massive change in the development of the society.