The Network of Local Elected Women of Africa with a French Acronym REFELA has begun the education of market women on the coronavirus in the Northern Regional capital, Tamale. 

The network targeted 150 women leaders in the markets and educated them. They would, in turn, educate other women groups within these markets. 

The markets include the Aboboa grains market, the Shishagu satellite market, the Jisonayile market among others. 

The REFELA network hinges on four thematic areas which is Promoting the leadership and representation of women in politics and good governance, ensure zero tolerance for any form of gender base violence, ensure an Africa without street children and in Ghana's context a Ghana without street children and the economic empowerment of women had its Ghana chapter of the West African sub region network launched in March this year.

Its Ghana president Hajia Mariam Iddrisu said the education of the women on Covid-19 is part of their activities to empower the women with knowledge to be able to protect themselves and their families.

She said though they are yet to receive funding for the proposal they have written, the group has pulled resources through its membership to conduct these activities.

They hope NGOs they have written to would support their quest to achieve their objectives.

Hajia Mariam acknowledged support the Sagnarigu Municipal Assembly, Action Aid Ghana, and RANS and Oxford offered during the launch of the chapter.

A Member of the Network, Hajia Alima Sagito said women are considered front line workers whose role is to ensure their families are protected.

"Women form a critical part of the fight against Covid-19 because they are the front line managers of the home," she emphasised.

Hajia Alima called on the men to support the women in their bid to ensure their families are safe.

"This is a critical time that no voice should be minimized, therefore we expect husbands to listen to their wives when they have information on the pandemic," Hajia Alima said.

She said armed with the right information, women can lead the crusade.