Ghana has paid tribute to proponents whose contribution led to the adoption of the landmark Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in 1995.

Ghana at the annual high-level gathering of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW59) session taking place at New York commended governments, non-governmental organisations and gender advocates for the Beijing Declaration 20 years ago.

Nana Oye Lithur, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection who paid the tribute on behalf of the country explained that the 20th anniversary offers us the opportunity to acknowledge the contribution of global leaders and personalities who broke the historic ground.

The Gender Minister acknowledged in particular the contribution of former first lady of Ghana, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings for her pioneering role in Ghana.

“Under the inspirational leadership of Nana Agyeman Rawlings, Ghana played a leading role in 1995 and we want to repeat that 20 years after we are assessing Beijing and also what progress Ghana has made.

“Strategically we have President John Dramani Mahama as the Chair of the ECOWAS, Ghana is also the chair of the Ministers of Gender of ECOWAS, the country is therefore using the two positions to ensure that the harnessing of gender equality is mainstream on the agenda of ECOWAS,” she said.

Nana Oye Lithur flanked by segment of the Ghanaians delegation attending CSW59 told the media that Ghana considers the stock taking and reviews of the remaining challenges for implementing Beijing very important as it provide the country the opportunity to showcase the success and what Ghana has done since 1995.

Nana Oye Lithur recounted Ghana’s progress in politics, women in decision making, achievement of the MDG1, gender parity, women in education, as well as some challenges especially getting more resources to fund gender equality and gender mainstreaming activities.

She also noted the need to strengthen south-south partnership, Ghana and Brazil has established such partnership which is helping the country in the social protection work.

Mrs Charlotte Osei, Chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education said Gender equality and the realization of women’s and girls’ human rights are fundamental.

She said these are fundamental for achieving human rights, peace and security, and sustainable development and must be central to the post-2015 development agenda.

Dr. Koma S. Jehu-Appiah, Country Director, IPAS Ghana recounted events at an European Union meeting in Kenya on the MDG, and comparing the economic growth West Africa is not doing well.

Ghana is doing better than most West African countries and challenged Nana Oye Lithur who is the President of Bureau of Ministers of Social Development for ECOWAS, to use her leadership role and gender advocacy skills to help other countries in the sub-region.

He noted that maternal mortality is still an issue in Nigeria, whilst child marriage is also a major problem in most of the French speaking countries, “so Ghana’s leading role should also reflect on some of the West African countries who are not doing well”.

Dr Jehu-Appiah therefore challenged Ghana to assist other countries especially in the sub-region to over the challenges.

CSW59 is serving as platform for stock taking of progress and remaining challenges for implementing the landmark agreement for gender equality and women's rights.

CSW59 will also formulate concrete recommendations to step up efforts to ensure gender equality and women's empowerment to touch the lives of all women and girls worldwide.