The Asokwa Municipal Assembly, through the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development (DSWCD) and the Gender Desk, organized a sensitization program for members of the Atonsu Beauticians Association at Atonsu Monaco on Tuesday, 19th August 2025.
The focus of the session was on *Discrimination Against Women and Advocating for Women’s Participation in Decision-Making* to promote gender equality and eliminate biases that hinder women’s progress.
Key Issues Discussed
Participants were taken through forms of discrimination such as gender bias, stereotyping, cultural norms, lack of representation, and financial limitations that affect women’s participation in leadership. The discussions also highlighted the importance of mentorship, training, and gender-sensitive policies to promote inclusive governance.
How to improve women’s participation in decision making
1. Mentorship & Support: Establish funding mechanisms and introduce digital work opportunities for women.
2. Awareness Campaigns: Intensify efforts to combat stereotypes and empower women.
3. Awareness Groups: Engage groups to shift negative perceptions about women in leadership.
4. Civil Society Role: Promote and advocate for gender equality across all platforms.
Questions and Discussions
1. One participant stressed the need for women to support women, adding that although many women show goodwill and willingness to take up leadership roles, they are often met with criticism rather than encouragement.
2. Another contributor highlighted that appreciation is essential in leadership and encouraged women in leadership roles to show respect to everyone they work with.
3. A member pointed out that some women shy away from leadership positions due to language barriers, underscoring the need for more inclusive educational and leadership training.
Participation
The programme was very interactive, with 38 members in attendance: 35 females and 3 males.The event was very engaging and included over 15 contributions, comments, questions, and clarifications.
The session reaffirmed the importance of promoting women’s voices in decision-making and the need for continuous sensitization to achieve gender equality.
Below are photos from the event.
