Rawlings shares his dream for Women on International Women's Day

Former President Jerry John Rawlings has underscored the outstanding roles women play in life and says he dreams of a day when their true values would be acknowledged.

In a tweet to acknowledge women on the occasion of International Women's Day 2018, Rawlings said “I join women in Ghana, Africa and across the world to celebrate the outstanding roles women play in our lives. I look forward to a time when the true value of women is not hidden or unknown to our communities.”

The former president also expressed the hope of seeing women given their due in society one day, pointing out their vital roles in development and why they deserve to be celebrated.

“I dream of a time when our unsung heroes take higher places of honour in our communities. Women's drive offers real energy and meaning to the socio-economic and socio-cultural development of our communities and deserve to be celebrated daily.

Rawlings concludes his tweet by wishing all women his very best, singling out his better half and former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings whom he described as “my friend, partner and wife.”

Celebrated under the theme #PressforProgress this year, International Women's Day is marked on March 8 each year to celebrate the achievements of women the world over and to press home the need for gender equality.

It has been celebrated each year since it was first observed internationally in 1911, inspired in 1908 by striking garment workers demanding better working conditions and equal rights in the United States.