The Women’s Manifesto Coalition, a coalition of women’s interests groups, has marked the 10th anniversary of the Women’s Manifesto of Ghana at the International Press Centre. The theme for the anniversary was Enhancing Women’s Voices in Policy Spaces.

The manifesto, which was initiated by ABANTU for Development, was launched in September 2004 after a year of consultation with CSOs, District Assemblywomen, media women and men, representatives of political parties, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and parliament from all ten regions of the country.

The civil society organisations that were present include NETRIGHT, African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF), WILDAF, GACCESS and Friederich Ebert Stiftung. Each of them spoke about the process of developing the constitution and the effect that the constitution has had on shaping the nation’s policies over the years.

Women in political offices and a woman who had been involved in a case of domestic violence spoke to the audience about how the manifesto has helped them in their individual endeavours.

Tomisa Doudu of O’Reilly Senior High School and Belinda Kumadoh of Trinity Senior High School were presented with awards for an essay competition that was organised by ABANTU for Development.

The keynote speech was given by the CEO of the AWDF, Theo Sowa. In her speech, she called for support for women leaders and expressed her confidence that during the 15th anniversary, more would have been achieved from the Women’s Manifesto.

The event was attended by personalities such as Professor Ama Ata Aidoo, Gifty Anti and representatives of the NDC, NPP, CPP and PPP.