The Vice President of Ghana, Professor Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang, serving as the guest of honor at the opening ceremony of the 27th Zonta International District 18 Conference, emphasized the need for actualizing the advocacy for gender equality and women’s empowerment.
The conference, held under the theme “Realizing equality: Building for an even brighter future for women and girls in Africa” at the Accra International Conference Centre, had in attendance delegates from twelve different African countries.
The key focus of the gathering was to engage in discussions geared towards “advancing equality and empowering women and girls across the continent.”
The Vice President lauded the significant contributions of Zonta International towards women’s empowerment across the African continent for decades.
“For five decades, Zonta International, you have championed the rights of women. You have touched lives through service projects, education initiatives, and many, many partnerships.
“In particular, your association with the United Nations has resulted in support for other initiatives, many of which have had a direct impact on our country, and I think on many other countries too. “You have complemented the work of the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection in advancing gender equality and safeguarding vulnerable groups.”
Professor Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang, Vice President of the Republic of Ghana
The Vice President further remarked that a lot of work has been done with regard to the advocacy for women’s empowerment and gender equality and that there have been results to that effect.
However, she emphasized the need for international efforts to make gender equality “real and lasting.”
“Important gains have been achieved over the decades, but this year’s theme, focusing on women and girls and building a better future, an even better future, is significant, and it calls on all of us to make equality real and lasting.”
Professor Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang, Vice President of the Republic of Ghana
The Vice President stated that the level of participation, comprising delegates from twelve countries from Central, East, and West Africa, portrayed a sense of unity in the continent.
She further noted that such a level of unity is important for combating the challenges of the African continent. “Our challenges cross our borders, so must our solutions,” she stated.
The Vice President also noted the government of Ghana’s commitment to ensuring gender equality and women’s empowerment through policies and laws.
She noted that the government has engaged in gender equality and women empowerment-based action, including the expansion of access to education, support for women in leadership, and the strengthening of laws that serve as protections against gender-based violence.
She, however, noted that policies and laws alone will not carry out the task of making gender equality real and lasting. “‘…’ laws and policies must be complemented by partnerships with people and organizations, including yours [Zonta International], in order for real transformation to take place in our communities.” She stated.
The Vice President reminded Zonta International of its strengths and capacities in transforming the lives of women and girls and made the point that their collaboration should not undermine the activities of Zonta International.
“During this conference, please do not lose sight of the collaboration, which is already one of your strengths. Continue to prepare girls to lead. Continue to invest in women entrepreneurs to drive Africa’s economic growth.”
Professor Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang, Vice President of the Republic of Ghana
She expressed her gratitude to the leadership of Zonta International for their outstanding leadership and longevity, spanning several decades of empowerment.
“One of the reasons why I knew that no other assignment was going to block today is one of your trailblazers, the legendary Madam Barbara Baeta. At the personal level, I feel particularly honored to be in the presence of somebody who is honest, who is encouraging, who gives without counting the cost, who is beautiful in spirit and graceful in generosity.
“I am also happy to celebrate Chief Folake Solanke, who became the first African president of Zonta International. She broke barriers. Chief, thank you for blazing the trail and leading many to serve their countries with dedication, with determination, and with the can-do spirit.”
Professor Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang, Vice President of the Republic of Ghana
The Vice President therefore emphasized the need for continuous investment in women entrepreneurs to “drive Africa’s economic growth.”
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