Koforidua, Oct. 5, GNA - The Programme Manager of the United Nations Systems Gender Programme, Mrs Joana Opare has noted that, Government's economic policies, had created a conducive atmosphere for women and the youth to venture into enterprises that could develop their talents and resources.

She asked the beneficiaries to take advantage of the President's Special Initiatives (PSI) and other micro-finance schemes by both the public and private sectors, by investing in areas of the economy where they have comparative advantage in both human and material resources. Mrs Opare was addressing the closing ceremony of a five-day Enterprise Creation, Management and Reproductive Wealth workshop for 100 women and youth engaged in micro enterprises in Koforidua. She said the time had come for women to contest for all levels of political positions in order to promote gender-balance in decision-making in all aspects of national life.

Focus International organized the workshop in collaboration with the African Aurora Business Network (AABN) and the UNDP/UN Systems Gender Programme.

The topics treated comprised: Introduction to Entrepreneurial, Skill Training and Reproductive Health. Mrs Opare expressed regret that even though women dominated in agriculture and commerce, their productivity was being hampered by the over-reliance on primitive methods of production and management practices.

She stressed the need for women to be self-reliant to withstand attractions to sexual habits that could lead them to acquire HIV/AIDS. The Project Manager of the AABN, Mrs Maureen Odoi asked the participants to develop clear vision of their future well being and strive to attain them through the knowledge they had acquired at the workshop.

The New Juaben Municipal Deputy Coordinating Director, Mr Kwame Gyimah assured the participants of the Municipal Assembly's commitment to assist them to obtain micro-finance support.