Sekondi, Sept. 25, GNA - Mr Philip Kwesi Nkrumah, Shama-Ahanta East Metropolitan Chief Executive, on Tuesday called on women to overcome challenges that prevented them from actively participating in politics and public life.

He said these challenges must be surmounted for more women to participate in politics and public life to "shape decision-making". "Women are not participating in politics and public life despite the opportunities being created by government for them," he added. Mr Nkrumah made the call at a two-day sensitisation workshop for 40 women in politics and assembly women in the Shama-Ahanta East Metropolis at Sekondi.

It was organised by the Western Regional Office of Department of Women of the Ministry of Women and Children's Affairs. Mr Nkrumah expressed appreciation to the organisers for the workshop that would assist to equip women to take advantage of the opportunities available for them to participate in politics and public life. He urged women already in politics and public life to identify women with the potential to support and encourage them to be actively involved in their activities to motivate them.

Mr Nkrumah said men should also support and encourage women to venture into politics and public life.

Ms Jane Edna Nyame, Western Regional Director of Department of Women, called on political parties to ensure that women participated in their activities during Election 2008.

She said gender balance in governance would promote and enhance democratic development of the country.

"Gender balance in politics and governance would be enhanced when there is an attitudinal change on the part of men concerning women's ability to perform when they are offered the chance," Ms Nyame noted. She said it was time women were accepted as equal partners in the democratisation process and encouraged to assert themselves and develop their potentials to enable them take up leadership positions.