Respect Rights Of Women And Children

Mrs Augustina Gyamfi, Acting Ashanti Regional Director of the Department of Women, has called on the public to help stop violence against women and all forms of abuse of their fundamental freedoms and rights. At a durbar held at Nkawie in the Atwima-Nwabiagya District of the Ashanti Region to highlight the need to end violence against women, Mrs Gyamfi said it was time women themselves became more assertive in the protection of their rights and that of children. The durbar was on the theme; "Women Speak Peace, End Violence against Women Now," and was attended by chiefs, queens, civil society organizations, women groups and opinion leaders. It was jointly organized by the Department of Women and the District Assembly. Mrs Gyamfi said physical, sexual or psychological assault on women should not be allowed to continue adding that there was the need to intensify public education. She said it was important to assist husbands in particular to have a better understanding of the Children's Act (560) and the Domestic Violence Act (732). Mrs Gyamfi encouraged women to stand for elective positions to influence policy decisions in their favour. Nana Asare Bediako, District Chief Executive, said the government would make every effort to reduce the abuse of women by strengthening agencies working to protect the dignity of women and children. He promised that the assembly would continue to give budget support to women in the area to acquire employable skills and expand their economic activities in order to reduce poverty.