Ghana To Hold An Int�l Confab On Gender Inequality � Prez Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has pledged his commitment to eradicate the existence of gender inequality in the country. Addressing the nation on Tuesday, President Mahama described the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection as a �major instrument in government�s efforts to create an all-inclusive society in which the weak and the disadvantage also have a stake in the nation's progress�. Delivering his State of the Nation Address on the floor of Parliament, President Mahama disclosed that the country will soon hold an international conference, focusing on the theme "Growing Inequality in the World," to combat the canker. He explained that the sense of inequality is a major disincentive to every nation and as a result, his government aims "to bridge the gap between the richest and poorest in our country..." "Inequality among nations as well as inequality within nations has become a major flashpoint for social tensions. Mr. Speaker, world disparity is of great concern to us. It is a threat to our stability as a nation and to our unity as a people." �As part of the initiatives to promote gender equality, the Ministry for Gender, Children and Social Protection has been tasked to safeguard the lives of women and the vulnerable in the society,� President Mahama stated. He noted that the Ministry's primary mandate is "to promote the welfare and protection of children and to empower the vulnerable, the excluded, the aged and persons living with disability and to ensure true gender equality." He further disclosed that the Ministry has therefore drafted the Affirmative Action bill and the Inter-State Succession and Property Right of Spouses bill which are intended to enhance equality among the Ghanaian populace. "The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection is a major instrument in our effort to create an all-inclusive society in which the weak and the disadvantage also have a stake in our nation's progress." he said.