Asmara — The World Population Day was commemorated yesterday under the theme "Responding to the economic crisis, investing in women is a smart choice" at the hall of the National Confederation of Eritrean Workers (NCEW).

Pointing out that the commemoration of World Population Day provides a platform for workers and the population in general to discuss on social issues, the Head of the labor department at the Ministry of Labor and Human Welfare, Mr. Woldeyesus Elisa stated that the working population and different organizations should have a clear grasp of the current global economic crisis and address various social problems.

The Secretary of the NCEW, Mr. Tekeste Bairu on his part underlined that investment in women is indeed a smart choice in the efforts to achieve Millennium Goals. He went on to say that social and economic crises, particularly drawbakcs in the education and health sectors affect women's productivity directly.

Finally, UNFPA representative, Mr. Dirk Jena called on each individual, family and community to give due attention to women's health and emancipation.