The Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has urged African Nations to enact laws that guarantee women’s full participation in the digital space which has the potential of generating economic opportunities for women.
This was at the opening of the 9th Africa Women Conference (AWC), that took place last Wednesday to Friday in Accra under the theme, “Legacy Meets Innovation: Women Forging New Pathways for Africa’s Sustainable Development.”
She described the theme as timely, noting that, bridging legacy and innovation is crucial to strengthening women-led enterprises and advancing development outcomes.
She reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to gender equality, social inclusion and women’s economic empowerment while addressing discriminatory attitudes.
The Minister used the opportunity to announce that President John Dramani Mahama has approved the establishment of a Women’s Development Bank to provide finance and capacity-building support for female entrepreneurs and small businesses, as part of efforts to boost inclusive growth.
Dr. Lartey commended the organizers and partners of AWC for sustaining a platform that drives continental progress on gender equality and reiterated Ghana’s commitment to women’s empowerment.
This being its ninth edition, the AWC has become a premier platform for high-level dialogue and collaboration, offering women access to networks, knowledge and partnerships that support their contributions to socio-economic growth across the continent.
The conference convenes women leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, development experts and change makers from across Africa to discuss strategies for enhancing women’s participation in leadership, digital innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable development.
Priscilla Osei-Wusu Nimako, ISD
