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The 31st December Women's Movement has reiterated the need for the Executive and Legislature to pass more laws backed by policies to end violence against women and girls. The group is also calling on government to fulfill its manifesto promise by engaging 40% of women in politics and in public office and help push for affirmative action to create a gender balance in our system. These were contained in a statement issued by the group to mark today's celebration of International Women's Day. Read below the statement.... PRESS STATEMENT BY THE 31ST DECEMBER WOMEN�S MOVEMENT ON THE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN�S DAY CELEBRATIONS � MARCH 8, 2012 Today marks another occasion for women of the world to review how far we have come in our struggle for equality, peace and development. It is an opportunity for organizations, governments and individuals to celebrate the progress made over 100 years since the first International Women�s Day, and to look forward to the important actions that need to take place to ensure that the lives of women both in Ghana and all around the world are improved. Most importantly, since this year�s theme for the UN is �Connecting Girls, Inspiring Futures� it is an occasion for looking ahead to the untapped potential and opportunities that awaits future generations of women and girls. The 31st DWM since 1982 has been at the forefront of empowerment and development of women and girls. We, as a society, still have a long way to go before women feel comfortable, safe and have a choice over their own lives. The 31st DWM through its programs and activities continues to empower women and girls to have confidence to take charge of their lives and inspiring them to take the centre stage, whether it is picking up a guitar, talking about experiences or finding out how to stand for public office. The 31st DWM on this occasion calls on the government to fulfill its manifesto promise by engaging 40% of women in politics and in public office and help push for affirmative action to create a gender balance in our system. We call on the government to ensure that political changes and budget cuts do not push back the hard won gains made by the 31st DWM and other civil societies in Ghana. Violence against women and girls is one of the most widespread violations of human rights in every context, both in rural and urban areas. Young women and those living in poverty are especially vulnerable and at risk. What adds to their vulnerability is the fact that young women are the least able to access protection from these crimes of injustices when they occur or treatment fortheir impact on their lives We therefore call on the Executive and Legislature to pass more laws backed by policies to end violence against women and girls. The 31st DWM commends the effort of all civil organizations in the journey for the attainment of gender equity and equality. Until such a time that leaders of Ghana and the world tap into the talent and wisdom of women and girls, we the 31st DWM remain resolute in our quest for balance and gender equality. Happy International Women�s Day Long Live the 31st DWM Long Live Women of Ghana Long Live Ghana SYLVIA AHORLU GENERAL SECRETARY