Women in Paase in the Wa West District have called for stronger economic support and better livelihood opportunities to help them improve household incomes and support their children’s education.
Their concerns were raised during this year’s International Women’s Day celebration organised by World Vision Ghana under the theme “Give to Gain.”
Many women at the event said that while interventions by World Vision Ghana had helped improve school enrolment and agricultural production, major challenges still remained, especially limited access to markets and alternative sources of income.
Some community members explained that the dry season was particularly difficult because many women had few opportunities to earn money once farming activities slowed down.
A community member, Bambo Asomah, appealed for the construction of an irrigation facility to allow women to engage in dry-season vegetable farming.
According to her, such support would help women maintain stable incomes throughout the year and better cater for their families.
The event also highlighted the wider challenges facing women in rural communities, including limited access to education, poverty and low participation in decision-making.
Fathiyat Numbo Mohammed, a Gender Equity, Disability and Social Inclusion Specialist, said women and other marginalised groups continued to face barriers created by social norms, power structures and unequal access to opportunities.
She stressed that empowering women should not be seen as charity, but as an important investment that benefits entire communities.
“We must ensure that every person, including women, has unhindered access to opportunities and is fairly represented in decision-making processes,” she said.
Faustina-Hilda Nuah, Gender Desk Officer at the Wa West District Assembly, also pointed to low levels of female education as a major concern.
She noted that some parents still prioritise domestic work and early marriage over schooling for girls, limiting their future opportunities.
The celebration brought together community members, traditional leaders and stakeholders to discuss practical ways of improving the lives of women and promoting inclusive development in the district.
