Accra, March 5, GNA - The Ministry of Women and Children's Affairs (MOWAC) on Friday congratulated Ghanaian women for their invaluable contribution to the development of their families and the nation. In a statement signed by Hawawu Boya Gariba, Deputy Minister, to mar= k International Women's Day, which falls on Tuesday, the Ministry called on=

all to join hands in ensuring an equal and just society where women and girls, are able to develop their full potential without any social, cultu= ral or economic impediments.

It said a series of activities had been lined up for the celebration=

and called on everyone, especially the media, to participate in them and highlight women's issues. The statement said the celebration would be used to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (Beijing+15), the outcome of the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing in 1995. It said the theme for this year's celebration is: "Equal Rights, Equ= al Opportunities; Progress for all," in recognition of the 15th anniversary of the Beijing Conference. Some of the activities are a football gala of women's groups, a clean-up exercise at Kaneshie Market, a symposium and radio and televisio= n programmes.

It said the events would be used to sensitise participants and the public on the laudable achievements and progress made so far and the challenges met in advancing gender issues and addressing the 12 critical areas of the Beijing Platform for Action (BPfA). These include the various legislations, policies and institutional mechanisms in place to advance the cause of women and promote equal right= s and opportunities for all.

It said challenges militating against the promotion of equal rights and opportunities including the prevalence of negative stereotypes based in societal beliefs and attitudes would be highlighted to mobilise support i= n overcoming these challenges.