He said although the church over the years had played crucial roles towards women empowerment, there was the need for more collaboration involving the church, government and other non-governmental organisations to ensure that women were equipped to contribute to the growth and development of the country.

He indicated that the holistic growth and development of the country largely depended on women and therefore efforts to aid their empowerment should not be underestimated.

Reverend Ngmalbini was speaking at a women empowerment programme organised by DPM in collaboration with the women and children department of the church as part of measures to maximise their inclusion in major decision-making in the country.

The event, which brought together women and children of DPM amongst other women groups from various ministries in the Tamale Metropolis, was on the theme: "Thou woman carry yourself well to manifest the glory of God".

It was to recognise the role women played towards nation building and the need to deploy strategic mechanisms to facilitate their growth and development.

Reverend Ngmalbini reiterated that women were not inferior to men according to God's purpose, saying "We are all created in the image and likeness of God to fulfill our assignment on earth."

He added that women, who were supposed to champion certain aspects of national development agenda, were subjected to some forms of injustices and abuses detrimental to their holistic growth.

Madam Jachaan Comfort, President of the women and children department of DPM said there was the need for the church and other stakeholders to prioritise women and children's development to bridge the gap between women and their male counterparts.

She expressed need for women not to shy away from platforms that would project them as role models to the youth and said "No one can better champion the interest of women than the woman herself. Knowledge acquisition, competence and perseverance are very necessary for our liberation."