Vice President Calls for Concrete Action to Advance Gender Equality

Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has called for deliberate and sustained efforts to advance gender equality, stressing that the progress of any nation is closely tied to the empowerment and advancement of women.

Speaking at an event marking International Women’s Day, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said the occasion provides an opportunity not only to celebrate the achievements made as a nation but also to reflect on the work that still lies ahead in ensuring equal opportunities for women.

“We are here to celebrate the progress we have made as a nation, but we are also here to reflect on the work that remains,” she said.

According to the Vice President, International Women’s Day serves as a reminder that national development cannot be separated from the advancement of women.

“International Women’s Day reminds us that a nation’s advancement cannot be separated from the advancement of its women,” she stated.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang noted that across communities, institutions, and workplaces, women continue to demonstrate resilience, innovation, professionalism, and leadership in various roles that contribute significantly to national development.

“Across our communities, institutions and workplaces, women exhibit resilience, innovation, professionalism and leadership. They are educators, policymakers, entrepreneurs, caregivers, administrators and change-makers,” she said.

She emphasized that the dedication and service of women help to build more inclusive, dynamic, and prosperous societies.

“Their dedication and service contribute to inclusivity, dynamism and prosperity,” the Vice President added.

However, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang acknowledged that despite the progress made over the years, gender inequality still persists in several areas including leadership, access to opportunities, workplace inclusion, and participation in decision-making.

“While we celebrate these achievements, we must also acknowledge that gender inequality persists in leadership, access to opportunities, workplace inclusion and fair participation in decision-making,” she noted.

She therefore called for collective action from all stakeholders to address these challenges and ensure that women are given the opportunities and support they need to thrive.

“Overcoming these challenges calls for deliberate, ongoing and collective efforts,” Prof. Opoku-Agyemang stressed.

The Vice President also urged institutions and leaders to move beyond rhetoric and focus on practical measures that promote equity and support women’s growth and leadership.

“The theme we have today challenges us to go beyond words and focus on real, measurable actions that promote equity and create supportive environments where women can grow, lead and succeed,” she said.