Lordina Dramani Mahama has called on Ghanaians to actively support gender equality by investing in the empowerment and advancement of women and girls across the country.
In a message marking International Women’s Day 2026, the First Lady urged citizens to reflect on what they can personally contribute toward achieving gender equality, emphasizing that empowering women leads to stronger families, thriving communities, and national progress.
“Will you mentor a young woman starting her own business? Will you advocate for your daughter’s education as passionately as you do for your son’s?” she asked, encouraging individuals to promote equal opportunities in their homes, workplaces, and communities.
Mrs. Mahama highlighted the importance of collective action in addressing gender disparities, referencing the Akan proverb, “Se wo were fi na wosan kofa a yenkyiri,” meaning it is never wrong to return for something that has been forgotten. She said the proverb reflects the need for society to uplift women and girls who have been left behind.
According to her, initiatives that support women—from market traders in Makola to young technology entrepreneurs in Accra and shea butter producers in northern Ghana—help expand the nation’s prosperity rather than diminish its resources.
The First Lady noted that Ghana has made progress in advancing women’s empowerment, citing growing interest and enrollment of girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), strengthened support for women farmers through cooperatives, and the increasing presence of women in district assemblies, corporate leadership, and boardrooms.
Despite these gains, she acknowledged that significant challenges remain. Many girls continue to drop out of school, women often struggle to access funding for businesses, and female representation in decision-making spaces remains limited.
Mrs. Mahama also pointed to policy measures aimed at addressing these gaps, including the Affirmative Action Bill and plans by the administration of John Dramani Mahama to establish a Women’s Development Bank to support female entrepreneurs nationwide.
She further encouraged Ghanaians to draw inspiration from traditional systems of communal support such as nnoboa and susu, which have long helped communities pool resources and uplift one another.
“As we work toward true gender equality, we must channel the same spirit of cooperation that our mothers and grandmothers practiced,” she said.
Mrs. Mahama concluded her message with a call to action under the theme “Give to Gain,” urging citizens to contribute in meaningful ways toward creating equal opportunities for women and girls across Ghana.
“God bless our homeland, Ghana,” she added.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
