The Progressive Organisation for Women’s Advancement (POWA) has condemned what they call media intolerance towards women in the country.
In a statement to mark International Women’s Day, which falls today, POWA said the criticisms that were directed at the late songstress Ebony is an example of how the media and society impact negatively on women.
“POWA recognizes that it is only when practical meaning is giving to our democracy and rule of law that every citizen’s right can be protected and social justice achieved for all. POWA has witnessed with much disgust the intolerant media and public attacks that has been visited on women in public life especially in recent years.
“The horrific attacks meted out to for example the late music artist Ebony Reigns only reflects the ultra-conservative and reactionary outlook of our society towards independent and liberated women. Such bigoted act is not only an affront to the fundamental tenets of our republican constitution but an antithesis to the very essence that governs our self-determination,” the group said.
The group also called urged Parliament to “expedite action and consideration of the affirmative action bill as an effective means to address the historical and asymmetrical gender power relations in Ghana”.
Below are details of the statement
On the occasion of International Women’s Day.
March 8, 2018
The Progressive Organization for Women’s Advancement (POWA), joins the world to commemorate this year’s International Women’s Day.
As Ghana also celebrates its 61st anniversary, P.O.W.A. congratulates all who have been part of the independence struggle and all those who continue to advance the cause of equal citizenship rights.
POWA recognizes that it is only when practical meaning is giving to our democracy and rule of law that every citizen’s right can be protected and social justice achieved for all.
POWA has witnessed with much disgust the intolerant media and public attacks that has been visited on women in public life especially in recent years.
The horrific attacks meted out to for example the late music artist Ebony Reigns only reflects the ultra-conservative and reactionary outlook of our society towards independent and liberated women.
Such bigoted act is not only an affront to the fundamental tenets of our republican constitution but an antithesis to the very essence that governs our self-determination.
POWA calls on all right thinking and progressive Ghanaians to absolutely condemn any such acts in the spirit of equity and inclusiveness.
POWA also appeals to Parliament to expedite action and consideration of the affirmative action bill as an effective means to address the historical and asymmetrical gender power relations in Ghana.
POWA wishes all Ghanaian women a happy women’s day!
VICTORIA HAMAH
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR – POWA
+ 233 (0) 551445757
