Duayaw-nkwanta: Dr Freda Prempeh, the Founder of the Ultimate Women Foundation (UWF), a Non-Governmental Organisation, has called on the government and civil society to address obstacles hindering the comprehensive growth and development of women and girls with disabilities.
According to Ghana News Agency, as the world prepares to observe the 2026 International Women's Day (IWD), Dr Prempeh, a former Member of Parliament and former Minister of State, emphasized the need to empower women with disabilities to reach their full potential. She advocated for the safeguarding of their fundamental human rights and dignity.
The International Women's Day, observed on March 8 and established by the United Nations, serves to acknowledge the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and calls for the removal of barriers to their development. Dr Prempeh shared her insights during an interview in Duayaw-Nkwanta, Ahafo region, discussing the global theme for the 2026 celebration: 'Give and Gain.'
She highlighted that the UWF aims to inspire and empower indigenous and vulnerable women and girls by enhancing their self-worth and promoting advocacy and social development. However, Dr Prempeh expressed concern that many women and girls with disabilities experience social exclusion, often being overlooked in community-level decision-making.
Dr Prempeh pointed out that the nation lacks sensitivity in identifying and addressing the needs of women and girls with disabilities. She noted that these individuals suffer psychological abuses due to denial of access to healthcare and education, compounded by the unfriendly nature of educational, health, and sanitary facilities.
Dr Prempeh further remarked on the inadequacy of facilities, such as toilets, which are often inaccessible to women with disabilities. She questioned the nation's consideration of these individuals in decision-making processes.
She advocated for the economic empowerment of women with disabilities, arguing that it would enable them to manage their lives better and contribute to their families and society's development. Dr Prempeh urged collective efforts to strengthen advocacy for policy reforms addressing the challenges faced by women and girls with disabilities.
She concluded by noting that women generally remain vulnerable to harm, violence, and discrimination, and called for a robust judicial system to provide justice to abused women.