Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has called for bold and sustained efforts to advance gender equity, protect women’s rights, and ensure the full participation of women and girls in Ghana’s development.
Speaking at the 2025 Women’s Dialogue in Accra as part of International Women’s Day celebrations, the Vice President emphasized the need to dismantle systemic barriers and end all forms of violence and discrimination against women.
“This milestone we want to achieve as a country must be inclusive and sustained,” she said. “Whether students, traders, fisherfolk, homemakers, or leaders, every woman matters. We must choose to end all forms of violence against women and girls, from child marriage and domestic violence to accusations of witchcraft and sexual abuse.”
The event, themed “Resetting the Agenda for Women: Accelerating Action on Women’s Rights, Equity, and Empowerment,” brought together policymakers, activists, and leaders to discuss key issues, including the passage of the Affirmative Action Act, economic empowerment, education, and challenges faced by persons with disabilities.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang reaffirmed the government’s commitment to girls’ education and praised recent efforts to address menstrual health challenges that keep girls out of school.
She applauded Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu for acting swiftly to improve sanitary pad access and also recognized the work of the Forum for African Women Educationalists, urging Parliament to expedite the passage of the Affirmative Action Bill, stressing that legal reforms must go hand in hand with a national mindset shift.
“We must live in dignity. We must be intolerant of any form of violence against girls and women—at home, at school, at work, or anywhere in our communities.”
The Vice President also emphasized the importance of ongoing public dialogue, calling for year-round engagement beyond symbolic celebrations, noting “We must stop pretending our problems exist only on one day. Let us launch into effective, consistent action.”
She commended Queen Mothers and traditional leaders who continue to champion women’s welfare and called on men and boys to be allies in the fight for gender equality stating “It is time for women and it is time for men, too to end violations of fundamental human rights. Let’s strengthen our legal systems, increase access to justice, and support women to thrive.”
The Women’s Dialogue ended with a renewed national call to prioritize gender-inclusive development policies and invest in the future of girls and women across Ghana.
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