Professor Opoku-Agyemang said that although women across diverse sectors had demonstrated the competence and courage to lead, significant barriers continued to limit their advancement.
She identified unequal opportunities for career progression, limited access to opportunities, and the disproportionate share of domestic and caregiving responsibilities as some of the challenges confronting women.
Speaking as the special guest and co-host of the Women’s Leadership Breakfast Programme organised by Women Allying Women (WAW) under the Elevate Africa platform, which was launched in Nigeria in 2010 and has now been launched in Accra, Ghana, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang argued that society should not merely admire women but rather address the challenges they encounter.
The Vice President’s remarks highlighted the need to address both visible and less obvious barriers that prevent women from fully participating in leadership and development.
The Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom, Olori Atúwàtse III, founder of WAW, called for greater recognition of women’s contribution to Africa’s development, saying the continent cannot define its future while half of its potential remains untapped.
She said the initiative aimed at building a network of African women leaders who support one another through collaboration, mentorship and shared opportunities.
“Power is not only meant for kings. Women are builders; we build families and homes,” the Queen Consort said, stressing the need to create spaces where women can contribute meaningfully to leadership and development.
Olori Atúwàtse III also noted that Women Allying Women seeks to establish a trusted platform where African women leaders can collaborate, uplift one another and nurture the next generation of leaders.
Its vision is anchored in alliance rather than competition, with the aim of strengthening networks among women and creating opportunities for collective progress across the continent.
At the programme, Trailblazer Honours were presented to Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, former President of Malawi Dr Joyce Banda, and Dr Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, former President of Mauritius, in recognition of their leadership.
The launch of the Ghana chapter marks an expansion of the initiative’s efforts to connect women leaders and promote a culture of mutual support, collaboration and inclusive leadership in Africa.
Story by : Akora Kofi Darko
