June 3, 2010, The European Union signed grant contracts financed under the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR), with the Electoral Commission of Ghana and seven other civil society organizations in Accra, including Concern Universal.

The eight grants of a total value of EUR 2.4 million, is to support initiatives promoting peaceful, transparent and credible elections in Ghana and increasing the participation of women in politics.

MacDuff Phiri (pictured far left in the photo), Country Director for Concern Universal Ghana said,"We're delighted that the EC has recognized Concern Universal's contribution to improving respect for the rights of women in Ghana. This grant will enable us to ensure greater participation of women from poor rural communities in democratic governance and the political system. It is an important factor in helping not just women but poor rural families in Ghana to improve their quality of life."

The Head of the EU Delegation to Ghana, Mr. Claude Maerten, said one of the most important lessons learnt from Ghana's 2008 elections was the importance to increase women's representation in politics and thus to facilitate their participation in the electoral process, stressing that "this is an area of concern not only in Ghana but worldwide."

Read the full news article on the EC website here: http://www.delgha.ec.europa.eu/en/news/PR_Item100602.html

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