Ghana Nurses and Midwives Association advocates for government support on International Women’s Day

The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) have marked International Women's Day by urging the government to provide crucial support to health personnel, enhancing their effectiveness in serving the public.

Mrs. Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo, President of the Association, emphasized the need for modern equipment, emergency drugs, and improved working conditions to enable health workers to deliver better services to the populace.

While the global theme for the occasion is “Inspire Inclusiveness,” the GRNMA adopted the theme “Invest in women: Accelerate progress” to underscore the importance of empowering women, who constitute 90 per cent of the association's membership, and recognizing their significant contribution to Ghana's development.

Mrs Ofori-Ampofo highlighted the challenges posed by privatization and monetization, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and called on the government to intervene to mitigate these obstacles to effective service delivery.

Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, Human Rights Lawyer and Activist, echoed the importance of inclusiveness for women, emphasizing the need for women to progress professionally. She underscored the vital roles women play in society, including nurturing families and ensuring wellness.

However, she lamented the struggles faced by women in accelerating gender equality and attaining leadership positions, attributing these challenges to entrenched societal norms and cultural beliefs that perpetuate gender disparities.

Ms. Addo called for equality in treatment, citing proverbs that have historically undermined women's status and urged for concerted efforts to address gender-based violence and promote women's rights.

Brigadier General Anita Asmah, Director General, General Headquarters, Defense Civilian Establishment, urged health professionals to maintain dedication to their work while finding balance in their personal lives. She emphasized the importance of continuous professional development to remain abreast of emerging trends.

Mrs. Olivia Boateng, Director, Tobacco and Substance of Abuse Directorate, Food and Drugs Authority, emphasized the economic empowerment of women as a crucial aspect of societal wellbeing and economic development. She stressed the importance of sustained support for health professionals to ensure their effectiveness in service delivery.

The GRNMA's call for government support on International Women's Day underscores the critical role of women in the health sector and the need to empower them to contribute effectively to national development.