In celebrating International Women’s Day, Ghana’s Vice President, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has urged the nation to accelerate efforts toward gender equality as the country joins the world.
Speaking at the International Women’s Day Dialogue 2025 and later addressing the women of Ghana separately, she emphasized the need to break barriers that hinder women’s full participation in national development.
“We do not only recognize the profound contributions of women in every sphere of society, but we also affirm our commitment to breaking the barriers that have long hindered our full participation in the nation’s progress.“
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang highlighted the vital roles women play in various sectors, including business, governance, education, and healthcare. She stressed that women are the backbone of families, communities, and the economy.
“Our contributions to business, governance, education, healthcare, and the sciences are invaluable,” she said. “Whether in our markets, in the boardrooms, classrooms, farmlands, or on the beaches, women continue to drive innovation, nurture growth, and shape the future of our country.”
Government’s Commitment to Women’s Empowerment
The Vice President reaffirmed the government’s dedication to ensuring that women have the resources and support needed to excel. She cited key initiatives aimed at empowering women, including the Women’s Development Fund, which is set to provide financial support for female entrepreneurs.
“Some of the key initiatives include the establishment of the Women’s Development Fund to provide financial support to women entrepreneurs, ensuring that we have the capital and other forms of support to take action and expand our businesses,” she said.
She also mentioned affirmative action policies designed to increase the representation of women in leadership roles.
“Women still face challenges along all spheres of life, but with the increase in representation, we will hold the door for many women to pass through to achieve their full potential.”
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang called on all Ghanaians to support women in achieving their dreams, stating that gender equality is a national imperative.
“When women thrive, families, communities, [and] nations prosper. Let us accelerate action for our mothers, our daughters, our sisters, and for the future of our great nation,” she declared.
Addressing Menstrual Health to Support Girls’ Education
During the dialogue, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang addressed the impact of menstrual health on girls’ education, describing it as a critical issue that must be tackled.
“Now to think that the natural menstrual cycle of a girl poses a threat to her advancement in education is not acceptable,” she stated.
She recalled efforts made under former President John Dramani Mahama’s leadership to address the issue during her tenure as Minister of Education. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang announced that the supply of sanitary pads had been included in the government’s manifesto, with the Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Idrisu, already taking action.
“We must empower girls in different and concrete ways,” she urged. “It is the girls who become the women. No one is born a woman. We are born girl children. It starts from there.”
Her call to action reinforces the country’s commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.
