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The First Lady, Rebecca Akufo-Addo, has advocated for the inclusion of women during peace negotiations.
She said research has indicated that the involvement of women in conflict resolutions makes the peace to last longer.
“We know conflicts affect women and children the most and yet women are largely absent from the peace table. Studies however show there is a 35% greater chance of peace agreements lasting 15 years when women participate…
“So if women are integral to peace why do we largely exclude them from peace negotiations,” she questioned.
The First Lady made the statement while speaking at the 2022 International Women’s Day Celebration under the them; “break the bias” which was held at the Great Hall of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.
“We have made substantial progress when it comes to education however ,gender disparities still remain. Again women’s representation is still lagging in politics. Our constitution guarantees gender equality however, women still face inequalities directly and indirectly through stereotypes and social practices.”
The founder of Rebecca Foundation, however, accepted that the campaign for gender equality, inclusiveness and removal of biases has been a longstanding struggle therefore it is the turn of the current generation to use their voices and media available to them to effect the change they want.
“This was something that was unimaginable decades ago it’s time for you to negotiate your way to equality and the removal of biases. I have no doubt about your ability and hunger to do so, your voice is integral to who you are and how you use it is vital to you becoming the person you want. Use your voices to create the change you want,” the First Lady added.
Stressing on how to make the gender equality crusade come into a reality, she stressed for corporation among advocates.
“We will get there but only if we all work together because one thing is clear bias is not normal. it is something that hinders development, no amount of explanations, apologies or excuses can make it right,” she said.
