The International Women's Day (IWD), is set aside by the United Nations (UN) to create awareness about the plight of women and to assess progress made towards gender parity.

The history of IWD began in 1911 when Clara Zetkin, a German Socialist and Theorist, along with 100 delegates from 17 countries, organized the first march to draw the attention of the world to the injustices against women.

Many countries have, since, celebrated IWD to put forward the idea of advancing women’s suffrage to mark women’s enormous contributions to humanity while the UN instituted the Day as an annual event on March 8, 1975, focusing on women’s status across the globe.

IWD 2019 is being commemorated on the theme: #BalanceforBetter, while for Ghana, the Day is observed on the local theme: Think Equal, Build Smart, Innovate For Change.

As Ghana joins the world to celebrate this important event, the National Women's Forum (NWF) is sending a passionate appeal to all security agencies in the country, to work tirelessly to find the 3 Takoradi kidnapped girls.

In a statement, Founder of NWF, Dr Mrs Diana Heymann-Adu, said: "On the occasion of this unique day, the National Women's Forum calls on the security agencies to relentlessly help find the 3 missing girls based in Takoradi who have been kidnapped over 200 days now. "

Mrs Heymann-Adu however indicated, with hardwork and determination, the NWF will continue to fight for the progress of the Ghanaian women.

Below is the full statement:

OFFICE: National Women's Forum
SUBJECT: 2019 International Women's Day Celebration

On the occasion of the International Women's Day which is being celebrated worldwide today, we at the National Women's Forum share in the relevance of this year's theme which is Think Equal, Build Smart, Innovate For Change.

The need to accelerate the pace for the development of women is urgent especially here in Ghana where progress has been made but we can do better.

Change is possible but must start from the mindset, then translate to positive action. It is unfortunate that in today's Ghana, access to social protection systems and public services for women and children is so slow and difficult.

We admit that change is a process but not an event.To make rapid progress, we need the collective efforts of key steakholders including Cvil Society Organizations, Religious and Traditional leaders, Government and Gender activists and the media to help break and move barriers to advance the welfare of women.

On the occasion of this unique day, the National Women's Forum calls on the security agencies to relentlessly help find the 3 missing girls based in takoradi who have been kidnapped over 200 days now.

We pledge to continue to fight for the progress of the Ghanaian women and with hardwork and determination, we shall succeed

Long Live Our Gallant Women

Long Live Ghana

Dr. Diana Heymann Adu
Executive Director
National Women's Forum
Tell: 0241130959

Frank Heymann
Public Relations Officer
Tell: 0245414948

Source: Ghanaguardian.com