Bolgatanga: The Women in Law and Development in Africa (WILDAF Ghana), a women's rights Non-Governmental Organization, has conducted a policy dialogue focusing on women's economic rights in Bolgatanga. The event, held in partnership with WILDAF West Africa Sub Regional Office and the Women in Agriculture Platform, received funding support from the African Women Development Fund as part of the 'Economic Justice for Rural Women in West Africa' project.

According to Ghana News Agency, the dialogue sought to educate stakeholders, including traditional and religious leaders, women farmers, Civil Society Organizations, and state agencies like the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, about the key provisions in Ghana's legal framework that promote women's economic rights. The event also aimed to encourage critical reflections and review socio-cultural practices undermining women's rights and economic empowerment, offering participants insights into existing legal frameworks and protections available under the law.

Madam Lois Aduamoah-Addo, the Programme Manager for WILDAF Ghana, commented in an interview after the dialogue that the organization operates in the Nabdam and Bawku West Districts. She highlighted that various socio-cultural norms detrimental to women's economic rights have been observed, and the dialogue was pivotal in increasing awareness about justice mechanisms available to women. The event emphasized collaborative efforts among stakeholders to leverage cultural resources and economic development opportunities to foster sustainable change for women in rural communities.

Mrs Georgina Aberesa-Ako, Upper East Regional Director of the Department of Children, noted that socio-cultural norms continue to restrict women's access to vital resources such as land, credit, education, and agricultural inputs. These barriers not only marginalize women farmers, who are central to the agricultural economy, but also hinder their collective progress. She urged participants to address gender inequalities as national development priorities through community-led dialogue and education.

Mr Komla Morgan Lawe, a Lawyer, presented statistics from the Ghana Living Standard Survey, 2019, indicating that women comprise about 35.1 percent of the agricultural workforce in Ghana and account for 70 percent of subsistence crops. Despite this, women face limited access and control over lands and resources needed for enhanced agricultural productivity. He emphasized the need to equip women with knowledge of existing laws, noting that cultural beliefs often cloud property distribution, and highlighted the importance of education over strict adherence to civil laws.

Madam Gilberta Akuka, President of the Women in Agriculture Platform, remarked in an interview that the sensitization aimed to empower women to complement men's efforts rather than compete with them. She encouraged men to embrace women's understanding of the law and rights without fear of legal confrontations.