They made the demand when they undertook an advocacy march past as they partook in the country’s 61st Independence Anniversary celebrations held at the Jubilee Park in Tamale on Tuesday.

The advocacy march past by the YUWM was also to draw attention to the International Women’s Day celebration held on March 8, every year to celebrate women’s contribution to society.They held placards with various inscriptions drawing attention to issues affecting women in society.

Miss Sumaya Sulemana, Chairperson of YUWM, who led members during the march past, told the Ghana News Agency that the passage of the Affirmative Action Bill into law would ensure that 40 per cent of women at all levels would be given opportunity to participate in decision-making processes.The Affirmative Action Bill, which is currently being reviewed, has been on the drawing board for many years despite persistent advocacy by gender activists to get it passed into law.

Ms Sulemana said there is the need for gender responsive public services, women’s bodily integrity; that is women understanding their sexual and reproductive health rights; as well as providing facilities that ensured that women/girls were comfortable to access certain health care services.

She also demanded that at least 30 per cent of women be employed in youth employment positions in the country to ensure economic security for women.The YUWM, a group of economically and socially empowered young women in the Tamale Metropolis, is supported by NORSAAC and ActionAid Ghana, both non-governmental organisations, with funding from Hewlett Foundation.