In a compelling address at the Young African Women Congress Network – National Chapter Summit, Executive Director of the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO), Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah has emphasized the urgent need to empower women economically in the 21st century.
Speaking at the event, Maame Tiwaa highlighted the persistent inequalities faced by women despite global efforts towards gender equality.
Referencing the United Nations' sustainable development goals, particularly the goal of achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls, Addo-Danquah stressed the importance of organizations like the Young African Women Congress Network in advancing women's empowerment.
Citing statistics from the International Labour Organization, which indicate women's underrepresentation in industries, managerial positions, and CEO roles, Addo-Danquah underscored the barriers hindering women's full participation in the economy, including gender-based discrimination and unequal access to resources.
Furthermore, she emphasized the economic benefits of investing in women's empowerment, noting that when women are economically empowered, they reinvest a significant portion of their income into their families and communities, leading to poverty reduction and sustainable development.
Madam Addo-Danquah highlighted the role of the digital revolution in accelerating women's economic empowerment, advocating for investments in digital literacy and skills training to ensure women's participation in the digital economy.
Praising Ghana's STEM agenda for providing girls with training in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, she called for concerted action from all stakeholders, including government, the private sector, civil society, academia, and the media, to promote gender equality and eliminate discriminatory laws.
She urged the passage of Ghana's Affirmative Action Bill, which aims to provide gender parity in politics and increase women's participation in decision-making positions.
Maame Tiwaa Addo-Danquah urged the Young African Women Congress Network to continue providing platforms for young women to discuss critical issues and shine a spotlight on Sustainable Development Goal 5, which focuses on women's empowerment.
She emphasized the potential for global GDP growth if women are given equal economic rights and opportunities, calling on women to mentor and train the younger generation for a more equitable and prosperous future.
On her part, Director of Legal, Fidelity Bank Ghana, Maataa Opare underscored the crucial role of women in the banking sector and urged for greater representation in leadership positions.
She highlighted the significant influence women wield as banking customers and emphasized the need for organizations to recognize the value they bring, not merely for the sake of gender statistics but for the tangible business benefits they offer.
She stressed the importance of designing products and services with a unique perspective on women's needs and preferences.
Moreover, the Director of Legal pointed out that women play a pivotal role in shaping the workforce of banking institutions, instilling important values and perspectives that contribute to organizational strength.
However, she lamented the lack of women in leadership roles within the banking sector, noting that this imbalance often results in a disproportionate number of men in positions of authority.
Reflecting on her own experiences, Maataa Opare shared insights into the challenges women face in asserting themselves in male-dominated spaces, particularly in meetings where they may feel overshadowed or undervalued.
She emphasized the importance of women making their voices heard and actively contributing to decision-making processes within organizations.
Addressing the issue of gender bias in hiring practices, Madam Opare highlighted the need for diverse interview panels to ensure fair and inclusive selection processes.
She stressed the importance of organizations recognizing the value of gender diversity and making concerted efforts to bring more women into leadership positions.
Maata Opare urged the banking sector to prioritize gender diversity and inclusion, recognizing that the majority of banking customers in Ghana are women.
She encouraged continued efforts to increase female representation in leadership roles, with the aim of fostering a more equitable and prosperous future for all.
Taking her turn, a renowned Gyaenachologist, Dr. Mary Halm, recently shared insights into effective parenting strategies, emphasizing the importance of instilling independence and responsibility in children from a young age.
In a candid conversation, Dr. Halm highlighted the necessity of teaching children essential life skills, such as washing socks and grinding pepper, at a tender age.
With five children of her own, she stressed the significance of fostering independence early on to alleviate parental burdens and ensure a smooth transition when parents are not available.
Dr. Halm emphasized the role of mindset in parenting, suggesting that a proactive approach to teaching children self-sufficiency can significantly impact a family's dynamics.
"By empowering children to take on tasks independently, parents can create a supportive environment where each family member contributes to household responsibilities"
"Teaching them how to do things is crucial," Dr. Halm explained. "When you're 10 years old in my house, you know how to grind pepper. You have to know how to do these things so that you can relieve me of other duties and focus on their education."
Her insights shed light on the challenges parents face in balancing career aspirations with familial responsibilities.
Dr. Halm's perspective resonates with many striving to navigate the demands of modern parenthood while pursuing personal and professional growth.
As society evolves, Dr. Halm's advocacy for independent parenting serves as a beacon for those seeking to cultivate resilient, self-reliant individuals poised for success in an ever-changing world.
Dr. Halm's words echo beyond her field of expertise, offering a refreshing perspective on the timeless art of parenting and the transformative power of instilling independence in the next generation.
The summit concluded with a call to action for all attendees to champion women's economic empowerment and work towards a world where every woman and girl has the opportunity to thrive.
A Medical Doctor, Dr. Halm appealed to young girls to desist from the frequent use of contraceptives.
He charged young ladies to strive hard and embark on regular exercise to keep the bodies healthy.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena SmithÂ