Hon. Otiko Djaba named 2018 Best African Gender Minister

The minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Ms Otiko Afisa Djaba, has been named the 2018 Best African Gender Minister.

She is being recognized for her outstanding and tireless fight for gender and work towards ending child marriages in Ghana.

The Dream up, Speak Up , Stand Up (DUSUSU) Best African Gender Minister Award was conferred on Ms Djaba by a Los Angeles film maker , Ms Zuriel Elisie Oduwole , who doubles as an advocate for education.

Recognition

Speaking at a brief ceremony in Accra, the 15- year- old Ms Oduwole explained that she instituted the award to recognize the works, community development efforts and impacts made by African high profile female leaders. ‘’I particular took time to study the work the gender minister had done so far since she occupied the position.  And I strongly believe that she deserves it, ‘’ she added.

She expressed the hope that the award would inspire her to do more to improve the lives of the marginalized, down trodden and the less privileged in the society.

Appreciation

For her part, Miss Djaba expressed her gratitude to Ms Oduwole and her team as her work in the sector had received recognition outside the shores of Ghana.  ‘’ This recognition would further encourage us not to only re-double our efforts but also energize us reinforce our commitments  and dedication to work for the achievement of gender equality and equity , the protection of the rights of girls, women , children, the aged and vulnerable in the society ,’’ she said.

She therefore pledged the ministry’s commitment to ensure that the issue of child marriages with its related challenges was totally eliminated.

‘’As a ministry, we are committed to reducing poverty especially among girls and women and ensuring that gender disparity which perpetuate inequality is reduced if not eliminated. We must make people aware of the laws and ensure these laws are implemented, ‘’ she added.

Source: Daily Graphic