Speakers at the “16 Women Speak Event” in Accra on Tuesday encouraged young women and girls to be clear on their goals, be themselves and not relent until they had achieved their goals.
The event formed part of activities side-lined to mark this year’s 16 Days Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) on the theme “Unite! Activism to end violence against women and girls.”
The event saw prominent and successful women across various professional fields share their unique experiences and knowledge on career choices, family and relationships.
It was organised by the European Union in partnership with the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Oxfam, Eve’s Women’s Network and Market Oriented Agriculture Programme (MOAP).
Daniela D’Orlandi, Ambassador of Italy to Ghana and Togo said women could overcome challenges and become outstanding in every facet of life for which reason they must believe in themselves and take their education seriously.
Ms D’Orlandi said such events should be promoted to raise the awareness on discrimination against women.
“It is very important that there’s a cultural mindset that changes because there should be equal opportunities for all either women or men,” she added.
Ms D’Orlandi said policymakers should concentrate on preventing violence, protecting victims and prosecuting offenders.
Dr Angela Dwamena-Aboagye, Executive Director, The Ark Foundation, urged young women and girls to know what they do or wanted to do so well.
“Once you know your stuff, it is very difficult for people not to recognise you even though they may try some tricks.
“Don’t only talk the talk but then do it and do it very well. The last part is share your stuff. You are not an island, okay, without networking without sharing without giving to others. You can’t receive. Jesus Christ said is more blessed to give than to receive,” she added.
Dr Dwamena-Aboagye said these kind of programmes were important for people to understand the issues of GBV in order to tackle them the way they should be “as Ghana lost almost $18.9 million in year 2016 as a result of violence against women and girls.”
Delese Mimi Darko, Chief Executive Officer, Food and Drug Authority said she benchmarked herself with the best version of herself and had no role model.
Hence, she urged young women and girls not to overly see them as role models but be themselves and bring out their best.
Deputy Head of Mission, European Union Delegation to Ghana, Pieter Smidt Van Gelder indicated that as the global 16 days campaign period was ongoing to call for the elimination of gender based violence, it was important to celebrate the successes and promote the empowerment of women, alongside efforts to curb social barriers to gender equality.
“Education empowers girls by building up their confidence and enables them to make informed decisions about their lives,” he quoted the late former United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan.
Mr Gelder used the opportunity to commend the organisers for collaborating to hold the event.
BY ABIGAIL ARTHUR
