Theodora Williams Anti, Executive Director of the Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA), has called on women to take center stage in promoting peace during Ghana’s upcoming elections.
She disclosed this in an interview with Starrfm.com.gh on the side of the National Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Forum Conference in commemoration of the International Day of Peace at the Kofi Annan International Peace Keeping Training Center (KAIPTC) in Accra recently.
The conference was under the theme: ‘Cultivating The Culture of Peace for Ghana 2024 General Elections: The role of Women.’
According to FOSDA, the theme for the 2024 International Day of Peace, “Cultivating a Culture of Peace,” highlights the importance of fostering peaceful coexistence in our societies through education, dialogue, and inclusive participation.
“The theme for this year is particularly relevant to Ghana as the nation gears up toward its Presidential and Parliamentary elections slated for December 2024. This year’s general elections, which mark the ninth in this fourth republic, are particularly faced with very high levels of tension and strong indicators of violence. It is, therefore, crucial to mobilize all actors in society to play their role in minimizing the tensions and ensuring peaceful elections.”
“Women are naturally peacebuilders,” Mrs. Anti said “Women are so forceful when it comes to peace. Women are mediators, women are negotiators. And when women are given the opportunity, they do a very good job at promoting peace in society.”
With rising tensions ahead of the elections, Mrs. Anti noted that women’s participation is crucial. “We see very, very rising tensions in the upcoming elections. We’ve seen NDC going on demonstration against the EC. We’ve seen a lot of violent statements, sentimental statements, inciting statements.”
Mrs. Anti stated that women’s voices need to be heard. “Women must speak out, women must act, women must be seen as promoting peace in this election.”
Mrs. Anti advised Ghanaians to support women contestants and address stereotypes and structural barriers. “We need to address the structural causes, or the structural stereotypes against women, the structural barriers against women during elections.”
She called on Ghanaians to give women a chance. “As we know, we have just about 70 women who are contesting these elections for the NPP, the NDC, and we need all to support them.”
Mrs. Anti concluded, “We need women to come out and also talk about peace, educate their communities, their children, their husbands, their brothers about peace, and get all to rally for peace. We need women to speak out.”
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM
