UPPER WEST REGION LAUNCHES THE PROMOTION OF GIRLS’ ENROLMENT INTO NON-TRADITIONAL PROFESSIONAL TRADES Gender Responses Skills and Community Development Project launches educational campaign to mainstream the girl child into trades, considered as the preserve of men. The theme for the launching ceremony is women’s empowerment, a key to sustainable socio-economic development. The Institutional Capacity Building Specialist of the project, Madam Dolly Atefoe said those trades such as plumbing, electrical installation, masonry, carpentering and auto vehicle mechanics command a higher income in the labour market as against the traditional trades for girls and women, such as; cooking, hairdressing and tailoring. According to her the total budget for the project, nation wide, is approximately 14,6 billion US $ and that so far 2.4 million dollars, approximately, is use across the country. The funds are provided by the African Development Bank and the Government. She said the project will soon fold up but that expectations are that the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection will deepen its impact. She blamed policy makers and the entire society for reinforcing gender bias against girls and women in the non traditional professional trades. According to the Deputy Regional Minister, Honourable Abu Kasangbata The project is in line with the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) three, which seeks to promote gender equality and empower women. He added that it is very important to promote the girl child enrollment into the highly paid non traditional professional trades in order to reduce poverty. Hon. Kasangbata called for non discrimination against girls and women in the acquisition of vocational and technical education, since that is a major way in reducing poverty. He enumerated the odds against women as ignorance, lack of motivation, stereotyping, saying those are responsible for girls’ non participation in the non traditional professional trades. He said the rapid positive evolvement of technology necessitates that both girls and boys study vocational and technical subjects. He said efforts are in place to mainstream gender in the region, citing that five computers and a motor bicycle is provided for the Community Development Vocational, Technical Institute (CDVTI). Also he indicated that twenty nine needy girls have received full scholarships, with working tools to be provided for the (CDVTI). On his part, the Regional Child’s Department Director, Mr. Israel K. Akrobortu called on parents, religious bodies, assembly members, chiefs and queen mothers to encourage women and girls to enroll in non traditional professional trades. Story: Ishmael J.
Posted on: Sat, 24 Aug 2013 20:25:16 +0000
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