Mr. Philemon Boni the NCCE director for south tongu district address emphasized the democratic necessity of women’s involvement in governance. He educated the audience on the fundamental right of every citizen to participate in governing their country, as enshrined in international human rights law. He stressed that without women in decision-making roles (Parliament, corporate boards, community councils), governments cannot be truly representative. He characterized women’s voices as an “essential prerequisite for legitimate, accountable, and transparent governance,” urging them to actively participate to build their communities and Ghana.
Human Rights and Domestic Violence (Madam Wendy Emefa Dogbey, Acting Municipal Director, CHRAJ) Madam Dogbey focused on protecting women’s rights and ensuring administrative justice, highlighting the role of CHRAJ. Her talk centered on Human Rights and Domestic Violence. She encouraged the women not to be afraid to report any wrongdoing or felt bad experience to the authorities. Crucially, she assured the women that CHRAJ would protect their identity from the public, fostering trust and encouraging the courageous and bold to speak up. A woman in a decision-making role is described as a “living manifesto of possibility.” Seeing women in high-level positions in government, business, and science “breaks the invisible chains of stereotype and limited aspiration,” empowering younger generations to pursue their ambitions.
Mr. Oral Robert Duty Regional Director of the NCCE, focused his address on two critical areas for the women: citizen engagement with authorities and their pivotal role as civic educators starting from the home. Mr. Oral Robert Duty provided practical guidance to the women on how they can actively contribute to good governance and community safety:
Engaging with Authorities in Times of Challenge; He emphasized that women should actively seek redress and assistance from authorized bodies when faced with challenges. He encouraged them to see the relevant authorities in their communities (such as Police, CHRAJ, or Assembly Members) as reliable resources for help. Specifically, he urged the women to be bold and report criminal or wrongful acts they observe in their communities directly to the Police officer. This is vital for crime prevention and maintaining law and order.
He stressed the importance of not suffering in silence, encouraging the women to actively ask for assistance and help in any challenge they find themselves in, whether it be related to domestic issues, corruption, or general civic rights.
The Director positioned the women as the most effective agents for positive social change, starting with their immediate environment. He challenged the women to begin their civic education efforts within their own households, emphasizing the need to educate their community members starting from their home and extending to their immediate environment. As parents and community leaders, their actions and teachings at home directly influence the values and civic responsibility of the next generation. By demonstrating the right civic behavior, they become champions of honesty and fairness.
