Category: General

WINDHOEK: Director of Disaster Risk Management, Helen Likando at the Prime Minister's Office, has stated that disaster risk reduction is a cross-cutting issue that demands collective efforts from all sections of society. Likando spoke on Wednesday during the City of Windhoek's belated observance of the 2023 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction. She noted that the day was designated in 1989 by the United Nations General Assembly as a day to promote a global culture of risk-awareness and disaster reduction, and to acknowledge the relentless efforts being made by individuals, institutions, governments, countries, and globally to reduce the negative impacts of disasters on our lives and livelihoods. 'As we are gathered here today to commemorate the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction under the theme 'Fighting Inequality for a Resilient Future', we are being reminded that disasters do not discriminate, and their impacts often intensify disparities among our communities. This necessitates the urgency of addressing all sorts of inequalities in order for us to realize an equal and more resilient Namibia,' she said. Likando emphasised that Namibia is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, with the geographical setup exposing our communities to various natural hazards, such as recurrent droughts and floods. Other pertinent risks are highlighted in the National Risk Profile which the Office of the Prime Minister developed, with technical support provided by the University of Namibia. 'Due to climate change, Namibia experiences more frequent and severe droughts, leading to decreased availability of water for human consumption, agriculture, and livestock,' she said. Windhoek Mayor, Queen Kamati, on her part, stated that the City of Windhoek has been celebrating this day since 2010 when the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction launched the Making Cities Resilient campaign. 'Since then, we committed ourselves to observe this day annually, to underscore the importanc e of reducing urban disaster risks which are exacerbated by the effects of climate change,' she said. She added that natural and man-made disasters such as extreme weather conditions, floods, wildfires, extended droughts, water scarcity, epidemics, chemical spillages, power outages, and socio-economic challenges such as poverty, unemployment, and homelessness impact Namibians on a regular basis. Source: The Namibia Press Agency

As the world celebrates International Women's Day on March 8 to honour the socio-economic, cultural, and political achievements of women worldwide, there is the need to call for gender equality and the advancement of women's rights. The day serves as a global platform to raise awareness about gender inequality and to advocate positive change. It is celebrated on the theme: 'Inspiring Inclusion,' which emphasizes the importance of diversity and empowerment in all aspects of society and the need to acknowledge the remarkable strides made in advancing gender equality. Challenges Faced by Women, Particularly Mothers, in the Workforce While Ghana has made significant progress in promoting gender equality, there remains a pressing need for targeted support for mothers returning to work after maternity leave. According to a 2020 report by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), approximately 42 per cent of women are formally employed as part of the labour force in Ghana. This represents a significant increase fro m previous years and highlights the growing participation of women in the formal workforce in diverse sectors such as finance, education, healthcare, and manufacturing. Also, recent data from Statista 2023, says an estimated 6.8 million female population are employed in Ghana. This trend reflects evolving societal attitudes, supportive policies, and concerted efforts by stakeholders to promote gender parity in the workforce. Women now occupy prominent roles as entrepreneurs, professionals, executives, and civil servants, contributing significantly to Ghana's economic growth and development. However, despite these strides, women continue to encounter multifaceted challenges in formal workspaces, especially after maternity leave. Balancing the demands of work and family responsibilities while adjusting to the changes brought about by motherhood poses unique challenges for women, compounded by deeply entrenched gender stereotypes and limited access to supportive policies and resources. Mothers returning to work after maternity leave face critical challenges. A report by UNICEF Ghana in 2020, noted that only six per cent of children under the age three have access to formal childcare services, leaving many parents, particularly women, struggling to balance work and childcare responsibilities. Ghana's labour laws mandate a minimum of 12 weeks of maternity leave, beyond these three months mothers are on their own, meanwhile the Ghana Health Service, World Health Organisation and UNICEF advocate six months exclusive breastfeeding, thus mothers are expected to return to work with limited access to affordable childcare. Again, many workplaces in Ghana have rigid policies that do not accommodate the needs of working mothers. A study conducted by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) 2019, found that women in Ghana often faced inflexible work hours and limited maternity leave benefits, making it difficult for them to balance work and family responsibilities. Additionally, stigmatisation and discrimination agai nst working mothers are well-documented issues in Ghana. Research by the Ghana Employers Association (GEA) in 2018, highlights the prevalence of negative stereotypes and biases against women who take maternity leave, leading to reduced career advancement opportunities and unequal treatment in the workplace. Furthermore, breastfeeding support in the workplace is often lacking in Ghana. According to a study published in the Ghana Medical Journal in 2014, many working mothers face challenges in maintaining breastfeeding practices after returning to work due to the absence of supportive policies, including designated lactation breaks and facilities. Moreso, transportation infrastructure deficiencies in Ghana contribute to the challenges faced by women returning to work after maternity leave. A World Bank report in 2018 highlights the inadequate public transportation system in Ghana, particularly in rural areas, which can impact women's ability to commute to work effectively. Financial pressures often drive wo men to return to work earlier than they would prefer after maternity leave. The Ghana Living Standards Survey conducted by the Ghana Statistical Service in 2017 revealed that many households rely on women's income for financial stability, making it necessary for them to return to work sooner, even if they are not fully prepared. Achieving work-life balance is a significant challenge for women returning to the workforce in Ghana. The Journal of African Studies and Development in 2016 highlights the strain on women's mental health and well-being due to the lack of support systems and resources to help them manage their work and family responsibilities. Finding Solutions to the Challenges Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach involving government intervention, employer initiatives, and community support to implement supportive policies and programmes that promote gender equality and work-life balance for women returning to work after maternity leave in Ghana While some advocate extend ed maternity leave to six months or more, this, though well-intentioned, can inadvertently hinder women's career progression. Extended absences from the workforce may result in a gap in skill development, limiting opportunities for professional growth and advancement. Moreover, prolonged maternity leave can disrupt networking opportunities, exacerbate financial strain, and create challenges when reintegrating into the work environment. These factors contribute to gender disparities in the workplace. While supporting working mothers is essential, it is crucial to explore alternative solutions that balance the needs of both mothers and employers. Ultimately, the goal should be to create a work environment that fosters gender equality and supports the diverse needs of all employees, including working mothers. It requires making conscious decisions to support women and necessitates an ongoing commitment and action beyond symbolic gestures like celebrating International Women's Day (IWD). Undoubtedly the IWD has a great significance for steps towards acknowledging and celebrating women's contribution to societal growth in general, but we must make conscious decisions to support them, which requires ongoing commitments and actions beyond this day. As the world reflects on the theme: 'Inspiring Inclusion' for the 2024 celebration, it is imperative for governments, private institutions, and international bodies to come together in support of working mothers. While progress has been made in advancing gender equality, there is still much work to be done to ensure that working mothers had the support they need to thrive in the workforce. They can communicate their needs to employers for flexible work arrangements and prioritise self-care to maintain well-being. Leveraging support networks and advocating supportive workplace policies are crucial for navigating challenges and promoting gender equality. Continuous learning and skill development enhance competitiveness in the workforce and advance career prospects. G overnments play crucial roles in shaping policies that promote the well-being of working mothers. It is, therefore, essential for governments to enact and enforce laws that guarantee maternity leave, flexible work arrangements, and access to affordable childcare. Additionally, governments should invest in programmes that provide financial assistance to working mothers, such as subsidised childcare and parental leave benefits. Private institutions also have a responsibility to support working mothers within their organisations to ensure their progress and wellbeing. Employers should implement policies that accommodate the needs of working mothers, including flexible work hours, telecommuting options, and on-site childcare facilities. Furthermore, private institutions should strive to create a supportive work culture that values work-life balance and diversity. International bodies have vital roles to play in advocating the rights of working mothers on a global scale. These organisations can provide guidan ce and resources to governments and private institutions to help them develop and implement supportive policies and practices. International bodies should also work to raise awareness on the challenges faced by working mothers and advocate gender equality at the workplace. The United Nations and other international bodies can monitor governments' progress in implementing policies to enhance gender equality in the workforce and support working mothers. They can conduct regular evaluations to assess the impact of these policies and identify areas for improvement, providing recommendations for further action. Ghana can draw inspiration from other countries around the world that have implemented supportive policies for mothers returning to work after maternity leave. Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Canada, and Finland have taken significant initiatives to support working mothers, including extended maternity leave, subsidised childcare, and flexible work arrangements. By learning from the success stories of these countries, Ghana can strengthen its efforts to support mothers in the workforce and promote gender equality. It is encouraging to see organisations like the Regional Advisory Information and Network Systems (RAINS), a local Non-Governmental Organisation in Tamale, demonstrating support for mothers returning to work after delivery. RAINS has set up a daycare facility for its staff, where working mothers who resumed after the 12-week maternity leave are provided a safe and secure environment where their babies can be catered for. This initiative provides a conducive environment for childcare and an opportunity for mothers to exclusively breastfeed their babies. The psychological relief and reduced anxiety resulting from this support will not only improve productivity but also build the confidence of women, ensuring they feel valued and heard in the workplace. Together, the world can make a significant impact in supporting working mothers and promoting gender equality in all areas of work. By collaborating and taking concrete actions, the world can create a safe environment where all mothers can pursue their careers and fulfill their potential. Let the public seize this opportunity on International Women's Day to reaffirm the commitment to supporting working mothers and building a more inclusive and equitable society for all. Source: Ghana News Agency

Smartly dressed school children from 18 Basic and Junior High Schools participated in a colorful parade to mark the Nsuta Zonal Council celebration of Ghana's Independence Day. The atmosphere at the Dadwen School Complex Park in the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality was very exciting with spectators at various areas waving miniature Ghana flags. As of 0730 hours, the sun was already set promising to be very hot but, hundreds of people from Nsuta and its environs, especially school children, were already seated while others were standing awaiting the commencement of the parade. The theme for this year's celebration was: 'Our Democracy Our Pride.' Madam Korkor Addy, Head of Human Capital, Ghana Manganese Company Limited, in a speech read on behalf of the Municipal Chief Executive of Tarkwa Nsuaem, Mr Benjamin Kessie commended the founding fathers, 'saying without them there would be no Ghana 'We remember with gratitude the countless freedom fighters and revolutionaries who struggled, strived and made heroic sacri fices to earn us the enviable status of becoming the first country in Sub-Saharan Africa to be free from colonial rule. The newly formed country became a catalyst for independence movements across the continent.' She assured the residents of Tarkwa Nsuaem that the Assembly would continue to do its best to ensure that teaching and learning conditions were improved across the municipality through the provision of the needed infrastructure. Madam Addy thanked all teachers for their commitment towards developing the Municipality and encouraged students to take their studies seriously and adequately equip themselves to take advantage of future opportunities. Source: Ghana News Agency

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo urged Ghanaians to agree upon societal norms that should be passed down to future generations. He said the task of nurturing children had been left to what they learned in schools, which was not good for development. 'If we are to take pride in being Ghanaian, there should be a consensus on the values we hold dear, and we should transmit them to every generation,' he stressed. The President was addressing the 67th independence anniversary parade at Koforidua, in the Eastern Region. He was particularly concerned that parents had delegated the responsibility for children's upbringing to schools and teachers. 'Too many parents have relinquished the entire responsibility of bringing up children to what happens in schools. 'I do not refer only to our music, dance, food, language and fashion that form the basis of our cultural identity; I refer to the values that set us apart as Ghanaians,' he said. The President noted that the nation's greatest problem remained providin g high-quality education to all Ghanaian children and young people. 'We have a lot to be proud of, but we have more work to do. 'I am happy that, through the implementation of the Free Senior High School policy, we are removing financial barriers to education, unlocking the potential of thousands of young Ghanaians, and laying the foundation for a brighter future for our country,' he said. President Akufo-Addo said it was imperative for every Ghanaian child to have the best education, as well as the skills and values to succeed in the world. 'Our schools must prepare our children to be comfortable with Science and Technology, and ready to compete in the modern economy. 'There is more to preparing a child to face the world than what can be taught in a classroom, and there is certainly more to moulding a Ghanaian child than what our hard-working teachers do every day,' he said. The theme for this year's event was 'Our Democracy, Our Pride.' It was the seventh time the event was held outside of Accra. S ource: Ghana News Agency

Palestinian author Adania Shibli will be invited as a guest at the 12th Shepherd Festival in Mount Semmama, due in Aparil 18-24, said activist and head of the Semmama Cultural Centre of Arts and Crafts Adnene Helali. The festival's founder indicated that Shibli will be Tunisia's guest after that a ceremony scheduled for the Frankfurt Book Fair at which she was to receive the 2023 LiBeraturpreis award for her novel Minor Detail, had been cancelled. The writer expressed "delight at receiving this invitation, which is an unparalleled gesture of support at a time when there is no longer any joy," said Helali. Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse