Lydia Akayira is a market woman in the Bolgatanga Municipality of the Upper East Region.
Growing up, she never thought her gender as a woman could cause her dearly to the extent that in her father’s house she could become voiceless even though she is the eldest daughter of her parents.
Lydia was a teenager when her father forced her to marry a man she never loved. To convince her, the father promised to will all his properties to her if she heeded his demand.
The father, Mr Atiah Akayira, a farmer and businessman had amassed an enviable wealth; including lands and cattle.
Unfortunately, when he passed on, Lydia never had a single share of her father’s properties as five of her siblings who are male took charge of everything.
Lydia is now in her early 50s and is fighting the manifestation of gender inequality in society.
Given that, ActionAid Ghana, a development partner, working to end such acts in society is encouraging duty bearers, especially chiefs to create an enabling environment for equal representation of women.
The Programme Manager of ActionAid Ghana in the Upper East Region, Alhassan Sulemana also called on the Upper East Regional Minister and Ministry of Gender Children and Social Protection to help stop the typecasting of women.
Mr Alhassan made the call at the just-ended International Women’s Day celebration organized by ActionAid Ghana in Bolgatanga.
Also, the Upper East Regional Minister, Stephen Yakubu noted that the passage of the affirmative bill is the way to ending the canker.
He however called on stakeholders at all times to promote equal representation in all sectors.
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