Accra, Sept. 29, GNA - Hajia Alima Mahama, Minister of Women and Children's Affairs (MOWAC) on Thursday said the Ministry would launch a vigorous national drive to overcome gender inequality and to improve the socio-economic status of the rural poor. Hajia Mahama said the Ministry would co-ordinate policies for the integration of women and children issues into the forefront of the national development process.

Speaking at the orientation meeting of Gender Desk Officers (GDOs) within Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Hajia Mahama said the orientation was to promote a good working relationship between the Ministry and the GDOs to facilitate gender mainstreaming in the various MDAs.

Hajia Mahama emphasized that the GDOs concept presented a mechanism for MOWAC to take action on gender and women issues, saying:

"It must be emphasised here that you are our eyes and focal point in the MDAs and, therefore, our key collaborators, as well as partners in mainstreaming issues in sectoral policies and programmes."

She explained that the meeting was also to enable MOWAC and GDOs to reposition themselves through their responsibilities and functions to ensure effective gender equality and equity in their development efforts.

Hajia Mahama said to promote the advancement of women and children in the country the Ministry had and would continue to collaborate with donor communities and nongovernmental organisations as well as members of civil societies.

Highlighting on some of the achievements of MOWAC, the Minister said the Ministry had gone through the processes and the Human Trafficking Law had been passed and there was an ongoing consultation on the Domestic Violence Bill.

Participating GDOs called for more of such interactions, training and sensitisation programmes by MOWAC for all Civil Servants to enable them to develop interest in gender issues.