Soroptimist International of Kumasi, a society of women professionals committed to gender equality, has appealed to political parties in the country to give prominence to development issues concerning women.

Mrs. Ellaine Owusu, President of the group, said women required governmental and institutional support to give them more social protection, and to enhance their economic situation to boost their contribution to national development. She asked the parties to implement effective policies and programmes to support women empowerment when given the mandate to govern.

Mrs Owusu, who was speaking at the society’s meeting held in Kumasi on Wednesday, called on civil society organizations, traditional authorities and policy-makers to work together to advance the cause of women. She explained that Soroptimist clubs work towards human rights protection, equality, development and peace through international goodwill, understanding and friendship.