Sunyani: Women and girls have been urged to find inspiration in the achievements of Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, encouraging them to pursue and accomplish their life dreams and aspirations. Nana Yaa Sakyiwaa Korkor III, the Queen-mother of Amasu in the Dormaa Traditional Area, imparted this advice during a forum held to commemorate the 2026 International Women's Day (IWD) celebration at Odomase, the Sunyani West Municipal capital.
According to Ghana News Agency, Nana Korkor III highlighted the Vice President's ability to overcome societal norms and stereotypes, which often hinder the growth and development of girls, to achieve a successful career in both academics and politics. As the Ankobeahemaa (sub-chief) of the Dormaa Traditional Area, she emphasized that the Vice President's life achievements demonstrate that women and girls have no excuse to fail in their secular endeavors and should always strive for excellence.
The forum, organized by the Bono Regional Office of the Department of Gender in collaboration with the Young Urban Women, a civil society organization, and supported by ActionAid Ghana, was attended by school girls and queen-mothers. The IWD, celebrated annually on March 8, was established by the United Nations (UN) to honor the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and advocate for measures to overcome barriers to their development. This year's theme was 'Give to Gain: Investing in safety, dignity and justice for women and girls.'
Nana Korkor III stressed that women's contributions to national development remain significant and called for them to resist societal norms and stereotypes that could limit their potential. She acknowledged that not every woman or girl excels academically, but highlighted government entrepreneurship programs as opportunities for those who do not pursue higher education to acquire employable skills and secure decent jobs.
She voiced concerns about rising teenage pregnancy rates in the country and advised young women and girls to avoid premarital sex and unhealthy sexual behaviors that could jeopardize their futures. Mrs. Joycelyn Adii, the Bono Regional Director of the Department of Gender, emphasized the need for a collective approach to address challenges hindering the growth and development of women and girls in the region. She highlighted that gender-based violence, such as wife beatings, rape, and defilement, remain prevalent and require concerted efforts to uphold the dignity of women and girls.
Mrs. Adii described women as perfecters and stated that more is expected from them in shaping society. She encouraged women not to undervalue themselves, asserting that with focus and diligence, they can build themselves up and occupy esteemed positions in politics and secular life.