Washington: To mark International Women's Day, a group of distinguished ladies gathered in the residence of Ghana's Ambassador to the United States, Victor Smith, to celebrate the achievements, resilience, and ongoing journey of women worldwide. It was also an occasion to create and nurture a bond of sisterhood and friendship, to network, and to pledge support for each other.
According to Ghana Web, the wife of the Ambassador, Adwoa Smith, hosted the women, including the Deputy Head of Mission for the Embassy of Ghana, Jane Gasu Aheto; former US Ambassador to Ghana, Pamela Bridgewater; Karen Buress, Senior Advisor to the Deputy Secretary of Commerce; Patricia Sheikh, Former Head of International Programmes at the US Department of Agriculture; Joan Wadelton, Retired Foreign Service Officer and President of The Bridge; wives of Ambassadors from different parts of Africa; and other high-level personalities.
The Guest Speaker, Ambassador Bridgewater, recounted the struggles that women have endured over the years, such as preventable deaths related to childbirth in Africa and the fight by women in America to gain the right to vote. She recognized that women's representation around the world has increased, citing Ghana's first female Vice President, Professor Jane Naana Agyeman, a distinguished scholar and public figure. She also mentioned Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former president of Liberia; Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of Tanzania; President Nandi-Ndaitwah of Namibia; the first female Vice President of America, Kamala Harris; and other notable female achievers globally.
Despite these achievements, women still face challenges, especially during wars and conflicts, where they endure sexual abuses and rape is used as a weapon of war. She called on the gathering to support each other. "As we rise, we must help other women along the way."
Smith observed that from homes, communities, politics, and diplomacy, women continue to contribute significantly to shaping societies and inspiring future generations. She encouraged the women to share their pain and worries with trusted friends. "When women support one another, share ideas, and lift each other, we create pathways, greater opportunities for our daughters and for generations yet to come." She concluded by affirming that women can achieve whatever they set their minds on because they are enough.
The meeting ended with a promise of a larger gathering next year to observe the Day.