By: Rukayatu Musah & Rachel Quartey
Vice President, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to advancing gender equality, calling for concrete actions to uplift women and girls across all sectors of society.
Speaking at the 2025 Women’s Dialogue, which formed part of the International Women’s Day celebration in Accra, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang emphasized the importance of inclusive and sustained efforts to promote women’s leadership, economic empowerment, and access to education.
International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on March 8th, highlights women’s pivotal contributions to society, economy, and culture, while raising awareness about the challenges they continue to face.
This year, Ghana’s first female Vice President, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, led a Women’s Dialogue, focusing on “Resetting the Agenda for Women: Accelerating Action on Women’s Rights, Equity and Empowerment.”
A panel discussion involving stakeholders and women leaders, including Peggy Ama Donkor, Channel Manager for Ghana Television (GTV), was a special feature of the event.
Discussions centered on the implementation of the Affirmative Action Act, economic rights for women, and the cultural and occupational challenges faced by persons with special needs, among others.
In her keynote address, Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang underscored the critical need to address gender-based violence, reproductive health rights, and legal protections for women.
“We must choose to end violence against all persons, especially women and girls,” she stated. “This in whatever form it may take: whether human trafficking, domestic violence, accusations of witchcraft and the resulting instance justice, child marriage, female genital mutilation, or sexual violence.”
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang stressed the need for collective effort to dismantle systems limiting women’s progress, referencing Maya Angelou’s “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” to illustrate women’s oppression.
“Let’s tackle the problems at their roots. Ignoring the needs of girls and women; obstructing their pathways to advancement; killing their dreams and clipping their wings-remember Maya Angelou’s I know Why the Caged Birds Sings”? —enforcing their acceptance of mediocrity; refusing even to encourage or support them; glamorizing systems that keep them at the bottom; all these also constitute unacceptable forms of violence against women and require urgent action,” Vice President Opoku-Agyemang stated.
She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to girls’ education, addressing barriers like menstrual health challenges affecting school attendance. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang applauded the Forum for African Women Educationalists for keeping girls in school and praised Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu for taking immediate action on sanitary pad supply.
On policy advancement, she urged swift passage of the Affirmative Action Act to promote gender parity in leadership and decision-making. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang commended traditional leaders, particularly Queen Mothers, for advocating women’s welfare in their communities.
“We are all awakening to the benefits that accrue to children, families, communities, and the nation when we support women to rise and reach their full potential,” the Vice President said, calling for urgent and sustained action to accelerate progress.
Minister for Gender and Social Protection, Naa Momo Lartey emphasized stakeholders’ critical role in achieving progress. “I encourage you all to engage each other, share insights, and collaborate on solutions we know are necessary.”
The Deputy Representative of Operations at UNICEF Ghana, Anne Kariuki, called for renewed commitment and strategies to invest in girls, strengthening mentorship programs connecting young women with role models and opportunities.
“To our government and policymakers, we urge continued dedication to policies that empower girls,” Annie Kariuki stated. To our private sector and development partners, we must collaborate to create opportunities for young women and to our families, communities, traditional leaders, let us champion the future where girls are valued, educated, and are safe.”
The event was attended by dignitaries, including ambassadors, persons from the diaspora, ministers, members of parliament, traditional leaders, and civil society representatives, reiterating their commitment to promoting gender equality in Ghana.
