Somanya: The National Peace Council, in partnership with the Yilo Krobo Municipal Assembly, marked this year's International Women's Day for Peace and Disarmament in Somanya, Eastern Region, under the theme 'From Inclusion to Impact: Women Leading Peace and Governance.'
According to Ghana News Agency, the event gathered political figures, traditional authorities, security agencies, department heads, Persons Living With Disabilities, women's groups, and students to explore strengthening women's roles in governance, peacebuilding, and decision-making. Dr. Mark Owusu Boadu, Chairman of the Eastern Regional Peace Council, highlighted the essential role women play in conflict prevention, reconciliation, and community development. He emphasized the need for women to move beyond symbolic representation to positions of influence over policies affecting society.
Dr. Boadu noted that communities tend to become more stable when women are actively engaged in peacebuilding and governance. He announced new District Peace Desk Officers under the Peace Council to work with communities and women's groups in reinforcing grassroots peacebuilding throughout the region. He also called for more investment in women's leadership and participation in governance from traditional leaders, local authorities, and development partners.
The Guest Speaker, Dr. Gloria Sarku Kumawu, Deputy Clerk of Parliament, emphasized the significant contributions of women from the Eastern Region to Ghana's peace and governance. She cited figures like Theodosia Salomey Okoh, Justice Akua Kuenyehia, Shirley Frimpong-Manso, and Dr. Angela Dwamena-Aboagye as impactful examples. Dr. Kumawu stressed that peace is unsustainable when half the population is marginalized and governance is ineffective without diversity.
Dr. Kumawu pointed out structural barriers, socio-cultural norms, inadequate resources, and limited recognition as challenges to women's governance and peacebuilding participation. She advocated for leadership training, mentorship, institutional reforms, and investment in grassroots women-led initiatives to enhance participation and impact. Participants committed to promoting tolerance, dialogue, peaceful coexistence, and inclusive governance within their communities.
This program is part of the National Peace Council and its partners' efforts to strengthen peacebuilding structures and promote women's leadership in local governance and national development.