The National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE) has charged Ghanaians to amplify women voices and perspectives on the decision-making front.

In a press release to mark International Women’s day, NCCE stated that although many strides have been made to ensure equality among all sexes, there are still issues facing women in the country that deter their success.

“As women continue to suffer from dangerous, discriminatory practices including female genital mutilation, the lynching and banishment of suspected witches, and inhumane widowhood rites, which are detrimental to the survival of women in Ghana, we all must “Choose to Challenge” the status quo.”

Quoting the 1992 Constitution, the release signed by the Directors of Communications and Corporate Affairs said it is essential no one is discriminated against on grounds of gender, ethnic origin, social or economic status among other things. 

Mrs Joyce Afutu added that it is time people challenge the status quo and call out all gender biases and inequality.

"With the 2021 theme: “Choose to Challenge”, women all over the world are calling for equal opportunities as their male counterparts. When women lead, positive results are achieved similar to males; and sometimes even better.”

“The theme also seeks to challenge the world to provide better opportunities for women and adequate spaces to accommodate more women in both private and public spaces, to truly demonstrate their worth and value.”

NCCE also applauded women who have made significant impact in their community and others who continue to serve as role models to children.

It also acknowledged all women frontline workers who have sacrificed their lives and died in serving and saving the lives of their patients and working tirelessly to perform their duties.

The International Women's Day is set aside by the United Nations (UN) to appreciate women’s roles in socio-economic, political, cultural, health, science, arts, among others.

It also aims at lobbying to raise awareness about women’s equality, gender parity and female empowerment.

Since its inception in 1911, the IWD’s objective is to create a fairer world where women and girls have equal access to all life's opportunities and secure a future where women are free from stigma, stereotypes and attacked or sexualised discriminated against.