Accra, March 7, GNA - The Women's Wing of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Tuesday in a statement to mark the International Women's Day said the strength and durability of a government required cultured, upright and intelligent women.

It said women should therefore, lift themselves from their "slumber and pursue what is rightly ours - equality with our men-folk and the sharing of responsibilities in our country".

The statement signed by Ms Ama Benyiwa-Doe, National Women Organiser of NDC said, "As we celebrate the International Women's Day today, the Women's Wing of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) enjoins all women to embrace the efforts to integrate women in our national body politic."

It said, "So close is the bond between man and woman that you cannot raise one without lifting the other, and so the world cannot move without women sharing in the movement. . The statement said, "The political future of the woman will not be what we all expect if she does not do her part to have our nation stand foremost among the nations of the earth.

"Women hold in their hands influence and opportunity with which they open doors otherwise closed to others.

"Women in Ghana over the years have been involved in the development of our country at various levels. In the home, she is the helpmate; in society the queen and adviser; in our traditional setting she is a power; and in legislative halls, law-makers have responded to her appeals in diverse ways. To her is the added responsibility of political power which is not always used responsibly."

The statement said, "It is in this light that today, we in the NDC wish the women of Ghana a happy and fruitful International Women's Day."