In a fervent call to action, Mr. Constant Tchona, the Country Director of Plan International Ghana, underscored the critical need for women to gain equal access to economic resources, highlighting the profound impact such measures would have on achieving economic justice and gender equality. Speaking at an event commemorating International Women’s Day, organized by Plan International Ghana and Canada, Mr Tchona delineated a clear vision for a future where women’s equal access to land, financial services, and leadership positions is not just an aspiration but a reality.
The theme of this year’s celebration, “Fostering Economic Justice and Equality for Women Leaders in Business and Entrepreneurship for Accelerated Economic Growth,” served as a poignant backdrop for discussions aimed at dismantling the barriers that have historically impeded women’s economic empowerment. The event, held on March 13, 2024, convened an eclectic mix of stakeholders, including women’s groups, gender advocates, government representatives, NGOs, and the media, all united in their commitment to championing the cause of women’s economic justice.
Mr. Tchona’s advocacy for women’s rights is anchored in the belief that women’s access to vital economic resources, such as land, is indispensable for ensuring their economic independence and, by extension, eradicating poverty. He argues that the systemic denial of these resources to women not only perpetuates gender disparities but also stifles national economic growth. The “Women’s Innovation for Sustainable Enterprises (WISE)” project, highlighted during the event, exemplifies Plan International Ghana’s dedication to catalyzing change and fostering environments where women can thrive economically.
The challenge faced by women in agribusiness epitomizes the broader struggle for gender equality within the economic sphere. According to Mr. Tchona, the lack of access to essential resources, including land and financial services, renders many women in agribusiness less productive than their male counterparts. He posits that facilitating easier access to loans for women and granting them control over land are critical steps toward rectifying this imbalance. Furthermore, Mr. Tchona advocates for a concerted effort to elevate more women into higher leadership roles, recognizing that the path to gender equality in economic leadership is fraught with entrenched gender norms that must be actively challenged and overcome.
The call for action extends beyond Plan International Ghana, encompassing government entities, donor agencies, advocates, and all stakeholders vested in the nation’s development. Mr. Tchona’s message is a clarion call for a collective, multi-faceted approach to addressing gender inequality, one that acknowledges the intrinsic link between women’s economic empowerment and the broader goals of poverty eradication and sustainable economic growth.
By prioritizing women’s equal access to economic resources, there is a unique opportunity not only to advance gender equality but also to unlock untapped potential within the economy. The benefits of such an approach are manifold, promising not only to uplift women but also to engender a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous society. The event held in honor of International Women’s Day thus serves as a reminder of the urgent need to foster economic justice and equality for women, a goal that is both a moral imperative and a pragmatic strategy for accelerating economic development.
In conclusion, the efforts of Plan International Ghana, under the leadership of Mr. Constant Tchona, highlight the pivotal role of gender equality in driving economic growth and social development. The advocacy campaign for the WISE project and the call for increased access to economic resources for women are a testament to the organization’s commitment to creating a more equitable world. As stakeholders across various sectors rally around this cause, the vision for a future where women are empowered to lead and succeed in business and entrepreneurship moves closer to fruition. The journey towards economic justice and gender equality is long and fraught with challenges, but through collective action and unwavering dedication, significant strides can be made towards achieving this noble objective.
Source: Graphic Online
