Accra: The Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has urged women’s rights organisations to continue investing in girls and women entrepreneurs to help advance economic growth on the African continent. Speaking at the opening of the 27th Zonta International District 18 Conference in Accra, she encouraged non-governmental organisations to support the government’s efforts to promote gender equality.

According to Ghana News Agency, the Vice President highlighted the Ghanaian government’s commitment to gender equality by expanding access to education, supporting women in leadership, and strengthening protection against gender-based violence. However, she emphasized that laws and policies must be complemented by partnerships with people and organisations for real transformation to occur in communities.

The conference, themed ‘Realising Equality: Building for an Even Brighter Future for Women and Girls in Africa,’ brought together representatives from 12 member countries of Zonta District 18, including Ghana, Benin, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Nigeria, and Cote d’Ivoire. It also marked the 55th Anniversary since the formation of Zonta International in Africa.

Reflecting on the theme, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang called on stakeholders to make the push for gender equality ‘real and lasting.’ She commended Zonta International for championing the rights of women over the past 55 years through various initiatives and partnerships. Her remarks acknowledged the strong bond of solidarity that unites Africans in empowering women and girls.

Madam Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Commonwealth Secretary-General, praised the progress made towards gender equality, noting that the effort remains ‘an unfinished business.’ She described gender equality as ‘the foundation for strong and resilient societies,’ and advocated for more investment and training for girls and women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Madam Salla Tuominen, Zonta International President, remarked that the 55th Anniversary of Zonta in Africa and the Conference was an opportunity for ‘reflection and renewal’ as the continent continues to support girl child education, women empowerment, and related initiatives. Zonta International officials also launched a STEM project aimed at sponsoring 16 females, between ages 16 and 35, with $10,000 each, starting in 2026.