Akua Dansua, (NDC- North Dayi) on Thursday took male Members of Parliament (MPs) on for their apparent disinterest in women's issues.

According to her, male MPs paid little attention and could not be bothered when discussions on issues concerning women were being made on the floor of the House, a situation, which was worrying.

Ms Dansua was contributing to a statement on the International Women's Day, made on the floor of the house by Mrs Gifty Kusi, Chairperson of the Women Caucus in Parliament.

The North Dayi member also expressed concern over the absence of an elaborate programme on women to mark the Ghana @50 celebrations, a situation she blamed on the Committee in charge of the event.

She urged government to direct more resources at the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit to enable them to function properly.

Ms Frema Osei Opare, Deputy Minister, Manpower, Youth and Employment, urged women to set good examples by treating their house helps humanely and with more dignity and integrate these less fortunate girls into society.

She said MPs should also play key roles in educating their constituents on social vices such as rape and defilement, which was on the increase.

Kojo Armah, (CPP-Evalue-Gwira), questioned why women activists shied away from politics and political appointment, which was one way to help society.

He was particularly worried about the fate of young girls on the streets engaged in selling ice water and other items and urged parents to do more for the girl-child.

Miss Cecilia Dapaah, Deputy Minister Water Resources, Works and Housing, called for gender parity at all levels of national life and urged men to be proactive in empowering women to enable them to contribute to society.

Earlier, Mrs Kusi, in her statement to mark the day, said abusive practices against women have frequently been and are still being justified in the context of cultural norms, religious beliefs and unfounded scientific theories and assumptions.

"This situation is the result of society's attitude towards women and efforts to keep women in their place."

Mr Speaker, violence against women is one issue that must necessarily be addressed if our nation and for that matter the world in general is to move forward in peace."

Source: GNA