They nicknamed me ‘Margaret Thatcher’ because I speak my mind – Otiko

A former Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Ms Otiko Afisa Djaba has encouraged women to voice their thoughts, opinions and ideas of being tagged as arrogant or nonconformists.

“I realized men do not respect women. I decided to speak my mind and that made people believe I was arrogant and that I do not respect”.

She added: “I was nicknamed Margaret Thatcher just because I spoke my mind and was ready not to allow anyone to overtake me. But that did not deter me. I will not allow you to cheat on me.”

“If because of that you will nickname me, it’s your ignorance. It is time to take daring actions to support women,” she demanded.

She thus called on policymakers and the government to direct resources towards the development of women.

This, according to her is “an effective way of developing the nation.”

“We challenge all funders, policymakers, and planners, and all governments to prioritize the needs of women, considering the positive rippling effect that this focus will have on true sustained national development.”

Speaking in an interview with Onua TV to mark the 2021 International Women’s Day (IWD), the Founder of Henry Djaba Memorial Foundation said she was nicknamed as arrogant among others because she was firm and refused to be intimidated by men.

Otiko said the continuous disrespect on women in Ghana by men of higher positions should be discouraged.

She said there should be a deliberated and concerted aim of pushing for more women to attain similar high office.

According to her, men are not superior to women because both were created the same.

The International Women’s Day is set aside by the United Nations (UN) to appreciate women’s roles in socio-economic, political, cultural, health, science, arts, among others.

It also aims at lobbying to raise awareness about women’s equality, gender parity and female empowerment.

Since its inception in 1911, the IWD’s objective is to create a fairer world where women and girls have equal access to all life’s opportunities and secure a future where women are free from stigma, stereotypes and attacked or sexualized discriminated against.