Mahama Advocates for Women’s Empowerment at Global Leaders' Gathering in China

 On October 13, President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana delivered a compelling speech at the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women in Beijing, China, attended by distinguished leaders, including President Xi Jinping. This significant gathering aimed to evaluate progress in advancing women's rights globally while reinforcing the commitment to the principles set forth in the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, adopted 30 years ago.

In his opening remarks, President Mahama extended heartfelt greetings from the Ghanaian government and its citizens, emphasizing the importance of the event in fostering worldwide dialogue on women's issues. He underscored that this meeting serves as a critical platform to reaffirm shared dedication to promoting the rights of women and girls, highlighting the need to take stock of advancements made since the pivotal Beijing Conference.

Reflecting on the legacy of the original declaration, President Mahama acknowledged that while the promise made in Beijing continues to hold relevance, there is an urgent requirement to reinvigorate efforts to realize its goals. “The Beijing Declaration was never merely a statement of intent; it serves as a moral covenant,” he stated. He pointed out that genuine progress for any nation necessitates the inclusion of all its citizens, notably women, who represent half of the population. Influential barriers and disparities remain that hinder this collective journey toward parity.

Calling for increased resolve and innovative strategies, he remarked, “As we assess the implementation of these commitments, it is evident that persistent gaps and obstacles continue to impede our progress toward equality. We must therefore act with even greater resolve and innovation.”

As the African Union Champion for Gender and Women’s Empowerment, President Mahama reiterated Ghana’s unwavering commitment to advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women within the country. He highlighted a series of transformative actions undertaken by his government to embed gender considerations across national policies and development agendas.

“Under my leadership, the Government of Ghana has initiated decisive measures aimed at mainstreaming gender in our national development policies. We are proud of the historic milestones we have achieved, such as the election of Ghana’s first female Vice President and the unprecedented elevation of women into leadership roles across government, the judiciary, security services, and essential national institutions,” he declared.

These accomplishments reflect a broader commitment to enhancing women's roles in governance and decision-making processes. He emphasized that these advancements extend beyond mere symbolic actions; they are concrete affirmations of women's rightful place at the forefront of national leadership. Expressing confidence in future progress, he asserted that, “In the very near future, our women will break the glass ceiling, and a woman will hold the office of the president of the Republic of Ghana.”

President Mahama further illustrated Ghana’s commitment to educational equality by highlighting the achievement of gender parity in school enrollment. “Girls are not only attending school but are also remaining in school. Our dedication to this cause is further evidenced by robust institutional reforms and the establishment of legal frameworks designed to safeguard the rights of women and girls,” he said.

The President paid particular attention to the critical reforms undertaken to strengthen agencies focused on gender-based issues. He cited the enhanced capabilities of the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, along with the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit of the Ghana Police Service. Furthermore, he acknowledged the establishment of the Domestic Violence Secretariat and Specialized Domestic Violence Courts, which are pivotal in delivering justice and protection to victims of gender-based violence.

You May Also Like

• Akwatia By-Election: Voter Turnout Rises as Polling Begins
• DADDY LUMBA'S ONE WEEK OBSERVATION MOVED TO BLACK STAR SQUARE
• Nine Institutions Owe GHS47 Million in Taxes, GRA Reports
• Immigration Service Council Urged to Unite for Enhanced Migration Management
• Kennedy Agyapong's Camp Raises Concerns Over Alleged Staged Endorsement at NPP Conference

In concluding his remarks, President Mahama highlighted the ongoing need for sustained financial commitment toward initiatives that support victims and survivors of gender-based violence. He emphasized that a robust budget allocation is essential to bolster the capacity of institutions enforcing these protective measures.

This meeting not only served as a reminder of the enduring fight for women's rights but also as a call to action for all nations. As the world continues to grapple with challenges related to gender inequality, President Mahama's powerful address at this Global Leaders’ Meeting stands as a notable contribution to the ongoing discourse on the empowerment of women and the essential role they play in shaping a just and equitable society.

As the world looks forward to a future where gender equality is fully realized, President Mahama's unwavering commitment and the strides made by Ghana offer an inspiring model for other nations to emulate in their efforts to support and uplift women everywhere.