Africa-Press – Ghana. The Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has urged women’s rights organisations to continue investing in girls and women entrepreneurs to help advance economic growth on the African Continent.
Speaking at the opening of the 27th Zonta International District 18 Conference in Accra, she urged non-governmental organisations to support the government’s effort to promote gender equality.
“In Ghana the government is committed to gender equality. We have expanded access to education, supported women in leadership, and strengthened protection against gender-based violence…”
“But laws and policies must be complemented by partnership with people and organisations in order for real transformation to take place in our communities,” she said.
The conference, on the themed: “Realising Equality: Building for an Even Brighter Future for Women and Girls in Africa,” brought together representatives of 12 member countries of Zonta District 18, including Ghana, Benin, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Nigeria, and Cote d’Ivoire.
It also marked the 55th Anniversary since the formation of the Zonta International in Africa.
Reflecting on the theme, Prof Opoku- Agyemang called on stakeholders to make the push for gender equality “real and lasting.”
She commended Zonta International for championing the rights of women in the past 55 years through various initiatives and partnerships.
“Your presence reminds us of the strong bond of solidarity that unite us as Africans as we work to empower women and girls…Your association with the United Nations has resulted in initiatives, many of which have had direct impact on our country and many other countries,” she noted.
Hailing trailblazers of Zonta International, she praised the organisation and other advocacy groups for complementing the work of the Ministry of Gender, Women and Social Protection in advancing gender equality and protecting vulnerable groups.
Madam Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Commonwealth Secretary-General, lauded the progress made towards gender equality, adding that the effort remained “an unfinished business.”
She described gender equality as “the foundation for strong and resilient societies,” and called for more investment and training for girls and women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
“Beyond skills and knowledge, we must build the culture of quality where every girl knows that their voice matters, their dreams are valid, and their leadership is welcomed.
“If girls are excluded from STEM today, they are excluded from prosperity tomorrow,” Madam Botchwey said, reiterating the Commonwealth’s commitment to championing the cause of women and girls.
Madam Salla Tuominen, Zonta International President, said the 55th Anniversary of Zonta in Africa and the Conference was an opportunity for “reflection and renewal” as the continent continued to support girl child education, women empowerment, and related initiatives.
“…Our work must be enduring, whether we are advocating education, ending violence against women, we must build systems and cultures that that last our own terms and lifetimes,” she added.
Zonta International officials launched a STEM project, aimed at sponsoring 16 females, between ages 16 and 35, with $10,000 each, starting 2026.
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