Gender Empowerment series with Vice Presidential Candidate, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang

 When women work, the country works!

What happened?

On Monday, 18th of November 2024, the vice-presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku Agyeman, hosted women in diverse sectors and industries to further the conversation on gender equality. 

 

At the Labadi Beach Hotel, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku Agyeman spoke under the theme: Advancing Gender Equality: A National Dialogue on Current Policies and Innovative Measures for Local and National Impact. 

 

She also shared some challenges as a woman vying for one of the biggest offices in Ghana and how she has constantly proven being a woman should not be put ahead as the most important “skill” for the role. While delving into some manifesto promises aimed at leveling the playground for women in Ghana in the various sectors. 

 

What are people saying?

Present at the event were astute women from various industries with various concerns for women and children, persons with different abilities, and policies that impact them in the societies, workplace, and at home. 

 

Also, concerns and roles about the gender ministry in furthering the course of women in Ghana were of utmost importance to the women at the event. 

 

Possible Cronyism should the Women’s Bank be established if the NDC comes into power. Inclusivity and delustering of the education sector and training young ladies during National service for the job market. 

 

The Talkative:

While Ghana has made great strides on the gender front, there is certainly more work needed to be done. The affirmative action bill aimed at addressing systematic barriers that have hindered women in Ghanaian society will be a great propeller to gender equity in Ghana. 

 

However, knowledge, understanding, and implementation of this bill if passed into law will be the backbone of the change women hope to see. The gender ministry as well as NGOs, the education sector, and institutions fighting for these equities must be progressive with educating daughters, sisters, mothers, and all classes and groups of women about the bill and how it could inure to their growth and advancement in Ghana. 

The men and boys should also not be left out, because empowered women can only thrive around educated men. 

The empowerment series is important and dialogues must continually happen to measure the successes and failures in the fight for gender equity in Ghana. 

Written by:

Tilly Akua Nipaa