Mr Alex K. Asamoah, New Juaben Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), on Thursday advised parents to put premium on the education of the girl-child.

“We should note that, educated women tend to be healthier, participate in formal labour market, earn more income, have fewer children and provide better health care and education for their children”.

Mr Asamoah who was speaking at this year’s Eastern Regional International Women’s Day celebration in Koforidua indicated that those interventions would eventually improve the well being of all individuals and inure to the benefit of the society at large.

He indicated that one did not need to stretch one’s imagination to appreciate the role women play in nation building, adding “Indeed, women form the backbone of the family and they constitute the strongest pillar of our economy”.

The MCE commended Ghanaian women for their untiring efforts in ensuring the improvement of the economy.

He urged all to note that gone were the days when the woman was restricted to the kitchen with all sorts of excuses.

“Today, in many parts of the world we have women who have chalked significant successes in various fields including politics, academia, health and sports among others”.

Mr Asamoah said in Ghana, the contribution of women to agriculture was worth mentioning, adding that women contributed significantly in the area of crop production which accounted for about 50- 60 per cent of the country’s food requirements.

Ms Jane Kwapong, Regional Director of the Department of Women, said the day enabled women to reflect on the progress made so far and provided them the opportunity to look to the development of untapped potentials as well as draw strategies to improve their status.

She noted that gender equality would not only empower women to overcome poverty but also benefit their children and families directly.

“When seen in this light, gender equality is not only morally right but pivotal to human progress and sustainable development”.

Ms Kwapong encouraged parents and communities to invest in girls’ education, since that was the key to development.

She indicated that establishing more “girl-friendly schools” that were safe without bias was also a sure way of maintaining the girl child in school.

The celebration was under the theme “Connecting Girls, Inspiring Futures and Preventing Rural Poverty”.**