Executive Director of the Ark Foundation, Dr Angela Dwamena Aboagye, has called upon the government to give greater attention to issues concerning women and girls, particularly focusing on empowerment and addressing crimes against women.

She made the call at a round-table engagement organised by the Springboard Road Show Foundation in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, held in Ho for over 150 young women.

The discussion, which brought together various stakeholders and experts, highlighted the pressing need for political action to advance gender equality and ensure the safety and well-being of women and girls nationwide.

Dr Dwamena Aboagye emphasised the critical role of the government in driving meaningful change through policy interventions and legislative measures.

"To achieve true gender equality and empowerment, the government must take proactive steps to address the systemic challenges faced by women and girls," stated Dr Dwamena Aboagye. "This includes prioritizing issues such as access to education, economic opportunities, and healthcare, while also tackling the pervasive problem of violence and discrimination against women."

The roundtable discussion provided a platform for participants to exchange ideas and strategies for advancing women's rights and gender equality at both the grassroots and policy levels. It underscored the importance of collaboration between government agencies, civil society organizations, and the private sector to drive sustainable change.

Furthermore, the event served as a call to action for political leaders to integrate gender perspectives into their agendas and policies, ensuring that the needs and concerns of women and girls are adequately addressed.

Participants called for the implementation of gender-responsive budgeting and the establishment of mechanisms to monitor progress towards gender equality goals.

The Springboard Road Show Foundation and the Mastercard Foundation reaffirmed their commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at empowering women and girls, emphasising the importance of collective efforts in creating a more inclusive and equitable society.

The roundtable engagement concluded with a renewed sense of commitment to advancing women's rights and ensuring that their voices are heard and their rights protected in the political arena.

It is hoped that the discussions will lead to positive change and contribute to building a more inclusive and equitable society for all.