Women to march for peaceful elections

Story: Salome Donkor
Sunday, September 21 would be observed as the International Day of Peace. The day was instituted in September 2001 when the Member States of the United Nations unanimously adopted the first-ever annual day of global ceasefire and non-violence Peace Day. This was after the United Nations General Assembly had passed Resolution 36/67 declaring an International Day of Peace in 1981.
In 2001, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a new Resolution 55/282 declaring September 21 of each year as the International Day of Peace.
The resolution declares that: “The International Day of Peace shall henceforth be observed as a day of global ceasefire and non-violence, an invitation to all nations and people to honour a cessation of hostilities for the duration of the Day...”
As part of activities marking the day in Ghana, the Africa Regional Desk of the Women Peacemakers Programme (WPP), in collaboration with Mothers for Active Non-violence (MOFAN-V) will organise a march for peaceful elections in Accra tomorrow (September 19).
The march, dubbed “Women March for Peaceful Elections”, is to be participated by both men and women from identifiable groups and organisations who will commence the event at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra through Ring Road to the International Press Centre, where a peace rally and a news conference would be held.
The overall goal of the march is to support public education on the need for political parties in particular and Ghanaians in general to commit themselves to peaceful elections.
It is also to raise awareness on the need for Ghanaians to stand up for peace during and after the elections and to get women actively involved in public peace education.
Ms Euphemia Akos Dzathor, Africa Regional Co-ordinator of the Africa Regional Desk of the Women Peacemakers Programme, said the organisation was committed to peace and advised women to help promote a peaceful election by talking to their husbands, brothers, uncles and friends to watch out for issues that could trigger conflicts and speak out against violent behaviours.
She advised women not to think that elections were only for men, because invariably, women and children were those who bore the brunt of problems emanating from conflict situations that result from violent elections.
Mrs Becky Adda-Dontoh, a gender advocate and President of Mothers for Active Non-violence, said the march was intended to support public education for peaceful election and get women to stand up in support of that cause.
She said by their God-given talents, women were the nurturers of peace and urged more women to get involved in the peace day event.
The world body invites all Member States, organisations of the United Nations system, and non-governmental organisations and individuals to commemorate the event in an appropriate manner, through education and public awareness, and to co-operate with the United Nations in the establishment of the global ceasefire.
Globally, member countries will hold the International Day of Peace Vigil in every house of worship and place of spiritual practice, by all religious and spiritually based groups and individuals, and by all men, women and children who seek peace in the world to encourage the observation of a worldwide peace and non-violence.
Around the world, people will be planting Peace Poles, re-dedicate their Peace Poles, conducting World Peace Prayer Ceremonies, participating in community service projects, and observing the International Day of Peace in service and prayer for peace.
The World Peace Prayer Society encourages participation by all individuals, organisations and schools to commemorate the day in whatever way they feel appropriate, whether that means organising a large programme with thousands of others, or silently taking a moment for peace by yourself. Remember to include the prayer ‘May Peace Prevail on Earth’.