Accra: Panelists at a forum on women's empowerment have called for the creation of more opportunities and platforms for women to demonstrate their leadership potential. They noted that although many women had acquired the necessary skills and capacities, they often lacked the spaces and opportunities to showcase their expertise and assume leadership roles.
According to Ghana News Agency, the call was made during a panel discussion at the second edition of the JAMILA International Women's Forum, organised by the JAMILA Trust for International Development, a non-governmental organisation, in Accra. The forum was held on the theme: 'Empowering Women, Empowering Humanity: Breaking Barriers, Building Futures.'
The event brought together dignitaries, including representatives of the Ga Traditional Council, queen mothers, representatives of the Director-Generals of the Ghana Prisons Service, the Ghana National Fire Service, the Ghana Military Police, civil society organisations, and academia. Mrs Levinia Addae-Mensah, Executive Director of the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), said there was a misconception surrounding women's empowerment, which suggested that women lacked power.
She explained that the real challenge was not the absence of power but the lack of opportunities for women to demonstrate and apply their capabilities. 'Sometimes you keep hearing, 'We are doing something; let us bring a woman on board.' It is often just about having a woman present. It should rather be about recognising the contribution, value, and perspectives that women bring,' she said.
'We bring women on board but often fail to give them meaningful responsibilities or decision-making roles.'