By Deborah Asantewaah SARFO
The young Urban Women’s Movement (UWM), along with its partners like ActionAid has called for a radical change in the structural violence that women face, particularly within macroeconomic systems perpetuated by global institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.
The group believes that the current economic systems pushed by the IMF that hinges on GDP does not prioritise women’s rights, economic independence and well-being.
In addressing these structures, the group has emphasised the need for a transition to feminist well being economies, which priorities care – both for people and the planet adding that these economies focus on collective well-being, equity, dismantling the violent structures that maintain systems of economic injustice.
Joining the globe to mark the International Women’s Day (IWD), the movement believes that IWD 2025 theme, “Accelerate Action” is a call to strengthen efforts in ensuring that women, irrespective of their social-economic background, are empowered and given the equal rights and opportunities they deserve.
Additionally, the Greater Accra and Volta Regional Programme Manager at ActionAid, Shevera Anzagira, has also urged members of parliament to ensure that the country implements the affirmative action bill as its spelt out in the law, stressing that good provisions, especially budget, be made available for its implementation.
Highlighting on some practical steps taken on their part to attain the radical change they envisage she said “we are asking young people to engage female Members of Parliament to know how they are feeling about the British Wood policies and call out for reforms”.
The movement is confident that by taking bold, collection action, the country can have a future where “women’s rights are fully realised, economic systems support care and equity and gender-based violence is no longer a daily reality for millions of women across the globe”.
The Young Urban Women’s Movement in Ghana is a powerful grassroots initiative aimed at empowering young urban women in key cities – Greater Accra, Northern, Volta, Upper East, Upper West, Eastern and the Bono Regions.
With time, it has grown from a project focused on life choices and livelihood to a robust network that encompasses about 4,500 young women between the ages of 15 and 35.
