“Gender equality is not only a basic human rights but also a prerequisite for and an indication of an inclusive, peaceful, just, prosperous and sustainable society,” she said. 

Mrs. Akortia stated this at a one-day workshop organized by the Adaklu District Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) on promoting adolescent health and gender equality and empowerment at Adaklu Waya. It was attended by representatives of hair and dressmakers’ associations, drivers and okada riders’ unions, the security services, traditional and religious leaders, market women and Civil Society Organisations. The workshop was funded by the United Nations Development Programme. 

Mrs. Akortia therefore noted that it was not only the responsibility of government to promote gender equality and empowerment but also the responsibility of traditional and religious leaders, CSO and other stakeholders to do so. “Promoting gender equality and empowerment will greatly transform the economic fortunes of our homes, families and society at large,” she emphasized. 

The Director entreated religious leaders to use their pulpits to preach and educate their members on the dangers of domestic violence including physical, phycological, verbal and sexual harassments adding “traditional leaders should take radical steps to end gender violence.” She warned that it was time discrimination and violence against especially women and children should cease in our communities.

She said issues concerning women did not come out boldly because only few occupy political leadership adding that women were denied a lot of opportunities due to their sex. 

The Director called on parents and guardians to refrain from acts that are detrimental to the health and total development of their children. She entreated parents and the larger society not to demean the dignity of children but to protect them from harm and befriend them. Mrs. 

Akortia stated that most parents were running away from their parental responsibilities and in turn blamed the children for their waywardness. She noted that they should also not forget to match the rights of children with practical responsibilities. 

Mrs. Akortia said she was happy that with awareness creation women were coming out of their shells and urged the men to support their wives in their economic ventures. She said though women are to be rightly humble and obedient to their husbands, the adage that “if a woman buys a gun, she must put it in the arms of a man and a woman’s place is the kitchen” should now be a thing of the past.

Mr Nicholas Asamani, Adaklu District Director of NCCE, called for collaborative efforts in ending gender violence and promoting gender equality. He entreated the participants to be advocates of victims of gender violence in their communities and workplaces.