Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang
Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has encouraged African women to build self-confidence and be resolute in overcoming political, social, cultural, and economic challenges.
She said obstacles were inevitable in life, and women must remain steadfast in their pursuit of progress, believing in their abilities to achieve their goals.
Speaking in a virtual dialogue on the topic “Women Transforming Africa: A Conversation on Power, Policy, and Inclusion”, organized by the African Centre for Economic Transformation (ACET), the Vice President emphasized that women must recognize competition in all aspects of life—whether healthy or otherwise.
“As for the obstacles, they will come in many forms, but it is about how you navigate them. You have to believe in what you want to do. We must also pay attention to gaps within sectors to address them. And as women, let’s pull each other up,” she said.
She stressed that women, particularly those in leadership and with resources, have a responsibility to instill a ‘can-do’ spirit in younger generations and shift the narrative that portrays women as weaker vessels.
Sharing her childhood experience, the Vice President recalled growing up in an environment where girls were encouraged to persevere and thrive.
“I grew up in a home where there was no distinction between what boys and girls could achieve. I attended a girls’ school where we studied Physics, Mathematics, and other subjects, and we excelled. Even in the lecture halls during my university days, we never succumbed to the domineering voices of men,” she said.
She further urged women to engage men in constructive dialogue, explaining issues to them rather than resorting to arguments or hostility.
The Vice President noted that President John Dramani Mahama and his administration had made women’s empowerment a key component of their policies and governance and called for collective efforts to advance women’s rights.
Madam Mavis Owusu-Gyemfi, President and Chief Executive Officer of ACET, emphasized during a discussion with prominent women from across the continent that gender equality could only be achieved if gender policies were integrated with economic policies.
“Our gender equality policies cannot sit idle or be treated separately from economic policies and transformation. Development cannot occur if gender policies are not treated as economic issues. There are not enough women at the decision-making table,” she said.
