Women in the country have been asked to put their political affiliations to the background and work together as a formidable team with a common objective of seeking gender equality and their wellbeing. Hajia Hawawu Boya Gariba, Deputy Minister of Women and Children's Affairs, who made the call, said it was important that women came together because they were in the best position to identify the issues militating against their wellbeing and bring up useful recommendations to effect change. "We should not allow political affiliations to divide us because at the end of the day, women stand to lose a lot regardless of the political party you may belong to,” she said. Hajia Hawawu was speaking at the 15th anniversary celebration of the Achimota Women Association (AWA) in Accra Tuesday. She noted that although women formed 51 per cent of the total population, they were the less-privileged in society, and the fact that their votes counted most and were relegated to the background was worrying. She, however, urged the women to be disciplined, especially in this election year, and avoid any situation that could disrupt the peace in the country because they would be affected most, should there be a war. The president of AWA, Reverend Janet Opoku said the organisation began in 1997 with an objective of empowering and enhancing the quality of life of women. She said their areas of development had been the training of women in income generating activities that would help elevate poverty. She said AWA had since its inception, offered scholarships to over 600 girls to complete basic education. “We have also trained 45 women in batik and soap making over the 15 year period,” she said.