“We need Transformative Changes in laws ….” – Rev. Dr. Comfort Asare
The Director, Department of Gender in the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection of Ghana, Rev. Dr. Comfort Asare has asserted that the nation needs transformative changes in laws, social norms, social institutions and public policies to achieve gender equality.
She said gender roles and relations must be transformed by altering dominant notions of masculinity. She added that "empowerment can only be achieved when we take pragmatic steps to promote equity and mainstream gender in all programmes in all sectors and institutions, beginning from the home. Everybody is a stakeholder”.
Rev. Dr. Comfort Asare during the Launch of the Gender Week
Rev. Dr. Comfort Asare made the assertion on Tuesday, 9th October, 2018 during the Launch of Gender Week Celebration organised by the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, University of Education, Winneba (UEW).
The weeklong programme, held under the theme “Gender Justice: Where are we now” began on Tuesday, 9th and ended on Wednesday, 17th October, 2018 coupled with resplendent activities to mark the celebration. The activities included Exhibition and Launch, Drama and Poetry Night, Gender Summit, Women in Leadership Seminar, Relationship Talk, Critical Issues in Entrepreneurship, Quiz and Talent, and Time with Uncle Ebo Whyte (CEO of Roverman Production).
Registrar (second from right), Surv. Paul Osei-Barima Esq with some participants after the Launching
In his Opening Remarks at the Launch, the Registrar, Surv. Paul Osei-Barima Esq. charged participants to aim high and work towards becoming future leaders of the University and the nation Ghana. He called on everyone to be gender sensitive and assist in addressing gender issues at work, school, church and other social places or functions properly.
In a Speech delivered on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Prof. Anthony Afful-Broni; the Dean, Faculty of Science Education, Prof. Ruby Hanson noted that the Gender Week Celebration was indeed a programme well thought out for UEW.
Dean, Faculty of Science Education, Prof. Ruby Hanson
“It is important for the University community and for that matter the general society we live in to be reminded of the need to create and sustain an equitable society and a just world where principles of human rights and social justice are applied appropriately to the benefits of all human beings.” She stated.
She thanked the organisers and sponsors of the programme particularly the Gender Team for their efforts in bringing everyone together. She added that “we urge them to continue doing things like this that seeks to unite and harmonize the University and the Winneba community.
Some attendees at the Women in Leadership Seminar
She challenged them not to make it a one off show but an event that should be done every year. She promised that the University was committed to supporting their activities and to partake in things that would put UEW in the limelight of excellence.
Present to support the programme included the University Librarian, Mr. Viscount B. Buer; Ag. Internal Auditor, Mr. Godwill Andoh-Mensah; University Chaplain, Rev. Dr. Alexander Edwards; Dean, Faculty of Foreign Languages Education and Communication, Dr. Andy Ofori-Birikorang; Director, University Health Service, UEW, Dr. (Mrs.) Beth Offei-Awuku; Director, Office for Institutional Advancement, UEW, Prof. Asiedu-Addo; Executive Director, Ark Foundation, Dr. Angela D. Aboagye; Coordinator for Advocacy and Outreach: Centre for Gender Research, Advocacy and Documentation (CEGRAD), Unversity of Cape-Coast, Dr. Georgina Yaa Oduro; Heads of Departments, Lecturers, Staff and Students of UEW, and students from the Effutu community.
Executive Director, Ark Foundation, Dr. Angela D. Aboagye
School pupils who attended the Gender Summit in a pose with resource persons
Uncle Ebo Whyte, CEO of Roverman Production
