#IWD2024: Women empowerment key to accelerating progress

By Elizabeth PUNSU

Women are not just participants in progress and development – they are its driving force. From the marketplace to the boardroom, women are leading change and contributing significantly to the economy, society and culture. However, despite their invaluable contributions, women still face barriers that hinder their full participation and potential.

This makes investing in women not just morally right; it’s also smart economics. Studies have consistently shown that empowering women and giving them equal opportunities lead to thriving economies, prosperous communities, and resilient societies. In Ghana, where women form a substantial part of the workforce, investing in their education, health, and economic empowerment can lead to accelerated progress across all sectors.

Economic empowerment is a critical aspect of investing in women. By providing women with access to financial resources, training, and opportunities for entrepreneurship, we can unleash their potential as drivers of economic growth and job creation. Fortunately, financial institutions, from Rural and Community Banks to commercial banks, are increasingly offering products and services tailored to support women-led businesses.

When women succeed, they reinvest in their families and communities, creating a positive cycle of development and progress. As Ghana continues its journey towards sustainable development, investing in women must be a priority. This entails recognizing the unique challenges faced by women and implementing policies and programs that support their empowerment.

Inspiring inclusion: celebrating diversity for a United Nation

In a country as diverse as Ghana, the theme of “Inspire Inclusion” holds significant meaning. Beyond mere diversity, true inclusion is about creating spaces where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute. In recent years, Ghana has made strides towards fostering inclusivity in various aspects of society, from gender equality initiatives to efforts to include persons with disabilities in mainstream activities.

In the workplace, fostering inclusion means promoting diversity in hiring practices, providing equal opportunities for career advancement, and fostering a culture of respect and acceptance. Beyond formal institutions, inclusion should also be reflected in everyday interactions and community activities, where we celebrate our differences and find strength in our shared humanity.

As we strive to inspire inclusion in the country, let us remember that it’s an ongoing journey. By embracing diversity, challenging stereotypes, and promoting equality, we can build a more united and prosperous nation for all.

Celebrating international women’s day: investing in women, inspiring inclusion

International Women’s Day serves as a reminder of the progress made in gender equality and women’s rights, but also the work that still lies ahead. This year’s theme, ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,’ highlights the importance of economic empowerment in achieving gender equality. Similarly, the campaign theme, ‘Inspire Inclusion,’ underscores the crucial role of diversity and empowerment in all aspects of society.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let’s support initiatives that promote gender equality, empower women economically, and ensure access to education and healthcare for all. By investing in women and inspiring inclusion, we forge a better world where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive and contribute to progress.

Spotlight on Ama Duncan

Ama Duncan, the founder of The Fabulous Woman Network (The FWN) in Kumasi, is a testament to the transformative power of empowering women. Through her annual International Fabulous Women Conference (iFAB), she has empowered countless women in the Ashanti Region and beyond.

The Fabulous Woman Network (The FWN) serves as a platform to empower African women-led businesses and create leaders through training, coaching, mentorship, and networking opportunities. The iFAB conference brings together women from diverse backgrounds to connect, network, share, learn, support, and collaborate for mutual growth and impact.

Ama Duncan’s vision is to see an Africa where women are empowered to thrive and impact others positively. Over the past nine years, The FWN has trained over 6000 women through events like iFAB, reaching over 10,000,000 people online. Ama Duncan’s work exemplifies the transformative potential of investing in women and inspiring inclusion.

In conclusion, as we celebrate International Women’s Day, let’s recommit ourselves to investing in women, promoting diversity, and inspiring inclusion. By doing so, we can accelerate progress, build more inclusive societies, and create a better world for all.

The post #IWD2024: Women empowerment key to accelerating progress appeared first on The Business & Financial Times.

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