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NETRIGHT launches gender mainstreaming standards policy
The Network for Women’s Right in Ghana (NETRIGHT), an economic, justice, advocacy network has launched a Gender Mainstreaming Standards (GMS) policy document aimed at ensuring that gender-based issues are well tackled during crisis.
The document which was launched at a stakeholders’ meeting in Accra was necessitated by the difficulties encountered by women, children and some marginalised groups during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and will serve as a policy guideline for governments.
It will also help government to identify the needs of these critical groups of people in society during pandemics and offer guidance on how best to respond to their needs.
There was also a discussion on how to get 40 per cent of women to take up leadership roles in the financial sector.
The forum brought together diverse stakeholders including gender focused Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), women’s rights groups, trade associations, academia, private sector and development partners.
Mrs Bernice Sam (Esq), a Consultant, said the needs of women, children and some marginalised groups such as the disabled, were not catered for although there were interventions in place by the government in response to the pandemic in the areas of healthcare, education, social protection, formal and informal sector.
She said in the area of social protection, women who were abused could not report because of the lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic.
On interventions in the informal sector, Mrs Sam applauded the government for the loans given out to small and medium scale businesses but indicated that the amount of loans granted to men-owned business were more.
She observed that communication during the pandemic was mostly online, a platform a lot of women were not familiar with.
Providing remedies to the challenges, Mrs Sam said during pandemics or any other crisis, there should be a budget specifically to tackle issues relating to gender.
She said special funds should be put aside to take care of women-owned businesses.
Mrs Sam also urged the government to ensure that there was digital literacy where women could use basic tools to communicate during crisis.
The Head of Secretariat at NETRIGHT, Mrs Patricia Blankson Akakpo, said there were a lot of women in the financial sector, but only 10 per cent held leadership positions.
She therefore, called on stakeholders in the gender mainstreaming to ensure that well-thought-out measures were put in place to get women to lead in the financial sector.
Sustainability Manager of ABANTU, Hamida Harrison (front) launching the policy with other stakeholders
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
Muslims across the country celebrated this year’s Eid-ul-Adha in a colourful and spiritually uplifting atmosphere under the theme, “A Season of Sacrifice, Solidarity and Spiritual Renewal.”
The celebration brought together Muslims from diverse backgrounds in a remarkable display of faith, unity and cultural heritage.
The occasion was marked by special Eid prayers at various designated grounds, the slaughtering of rams in homes for sharing among family members, friends and the less privileged, as well as musical concerts and recreational activities including horse riding.
Leading the celebration was the Chief Imam, Dr Sheikh Osman Sharubutu.
While the national celebration was held at the Black Star Square where President John Dramani Mahama was the Special Guest of Honour, similar gatherings took place at different centres across the capital and other regions of the country.
A visit by The Spectator to some celebration grounds revealed Muslims, both young and old, elegantly dressed in colourful jalabiya and other Islamic attire, reflecting the rich culture and traditions of the Muslim community.
The celebration also portrayed the spirit of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the country, as a number of Christians joined their Muslim counterparts to mark the occasion.
Muslim leaders and government officials used the opportunity to call on the faithful to uphold the teachings of the Holy Quran, renew their spiritual commitment and refrain from acts capable of undermining the peace, unity and security of the nation.
They further urged Ghanaians to continue to live in harmony and support one another for national development.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Dear Obaa Yaa,
During Eid-ul- Adha celebration, I decided to spend the weekend at my boyfriend’s place since we were planning towards our marriage.
To my surprise, what keeps me wide awake, restless and frustrated every single time is that he snores loudly like a generator running on full power, and I genuinely cannot get any rest
At a point, I thought it was just a normal thing, but I have realised it is something he does with ease and doesn’t see anything wrong with it.
When he steps out in the morning, I try to get enough sleep because I may not sleep in the evening.
The most annoying thing is that, he always wants to cuddle me. These two things are a no for me and a red flag.
We are about to get married, what should I do?
Enam, Keta.
Dear Enam,
The snoring and constant cuddling are frustrating, but you don’t have to choose between sleep and closeness.
Start with the snoring: check if it’s worse when he sleeps on his back, cut out alcohol before bed, try nasal strips or a humidifier, and see a doctor if he pauses while breathing.
For quick relief, foam earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones help a lot.
Separate blankets, a bigger bed, or sleeping apart on some nights often makes couples rest well and feel closer overall.
Bring this up before the wedding .Tell him you want to wake up next to him for years to come, but sleep deprivation makes you both miserable.
Test earplugs and side-sleeping this weekend, and if it’s still unbearable, bring in a doctor. Good sleep matters more for your marriage than staying glued together all night.
