40-Member Ghanaian delegation attends 57th Session of CSW at the United Nations

03-03-2013     

Gender Advocate, Nana Oye Lithur

The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Nana Oye Lithur will  lead a 40-member delegation to participate in the 57^th Session of the Commission on the status of Women (CSW) scheduled to take place from 4-15 March at the United Nations Headquarters in the USA. In a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer at the Ministry, Adiza Ofori-Adu, the meeting will focus on the progress made with respect to the global gender disparity and the equal sharing of responsibility among men and women, including care giving in the context of HIV/AIDS.  This among other priority concerns would be discussed under the set theme: ‘Elimination and Prevention of all forms of Violence against Women and Girls’.  Nana Oye Lithur according to the statement will address the session on efforts and interventions made by Ghana to resolve issues of violence against women. The statement will also highlight efforts made by Ghana to overcome constraints in the implementation of the Domestic Violence Act (732) of 2007 and other legislations and programmes tailored by the government and other human right NGOs including Civil Society Organisations (CSOs). This, the statement explained, sought to address and employ strategies in the prevention and elimination of gender based violence (GBV).  Ghana’s delegation encompassing members of parliament, representatives from Ministries, departments and agencies including the media will be represented on various platforms to discuss the priority theme and share best practices and experiences in Ghana on gender base violence. Meanwhile, the Sector Minister, Nana Oye Lithur prior to the meeting will participate in the consultation of Commonwealth National Women’s Machineries. The consultation, which is held annually in the wings of sessions of the CSW by the commonwealth secretariat provides avenues for the secretariat to brief National Women’s Machineries (NWMs) and partners on achievements and challenges towards implementing the Commonwealth Action Plan for Gender Equality. Furthermore, the meeting will create a common platform to mobilize commonwealth voices and influence discussion at the CSW Session. The CSW as a mechanism to promote report and monitor issues relating the educational, political and socio-economic rights of women came into being established in June 1946. It is a functional commission of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) dedicated exclusively to gender equality and advancement of women. The commission holds annual sessions in March to evaluate progress made in the protection and enforcement of women’s right globally.

 GBC/Rel                                              END                                                                  IA/