They should therefore put themselves up as candidates for election to book a place in the metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies to facilitate gender equity.

She described the low participation of women at all levels of the nation's political decision-making process as "disheartening" and said there was the need for concerted effort to change the situation.

Mrs Ohene-Konadu was addressing a group of women selected from parts of the district at a day's sensitisation workshop at Obogu, near Juaso to encourage more women to contest the assembly elections.

She said it was time women broke the jinx of male dominance in all fields of endeavour by becoming assertive and refuse to be marginalised.

She said they should assume the role of influencing policy direction and distribution of opportunities in the society.

Mrs Ohene-Konadu said there was the need to provide support and encouragement to women to aspire to leadership positions and to reverse the trend where fewer women are elected to the legislature.

"If the United Nations assessment that at least 30 per cent women representation is needed in decision-making is anything to go by, then the nation requires greater effort to achieve gender equality, she said.

The MP pledged to assist women who declare their intention to contest the election in the constituency.

GNA