SHEROES Forum opens in Accra on Thursday

All is set for the opening of the Eighth International “SHEROES” Forum to open in Accra on Thursday, May 16, for women leaders from three continents to address the pertinent issues informing low participation of women in leadership roles in Africa.

Dr. Ameenha Gurib-Fakim, a Former President of Mauritius, is the Guest of Honour for the three-day conference to be attended by 200 delegates.

Ghana’s first female Chief of Staff at the Presidency, Madam Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, Veteran Politician Christine Churcher, who is also Board Chair of the Ghana National Gas Company Limited, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, Senior Economic Advisor, Africa Economic Development Policy Initiative, Nigeria, and co-founder of the “Bring Back our Girls” Campaign, would also be there.

Also expected are Dr. Joice Mujuru, a Former Vice President of Zimbabwe, and Mrs. Clar Weah, the First Lady of Liberia.

An official statement issued copied to the Ghana News Agency, in Accra, on Wednesday, said though some progress had been made worldwide in the push for equal representation of women and men in leadership positions, the balance of power continued to tilt in favour of men.

“The Accra conference provides the platform for those who have travelled the path of leadership to share their experiences and reexamine the issues that continue to perpetuate the disparities, and explore new ways of tackling the issues relating to gender equality and inclusion, especially in Africa,” it said.

“The time has come for women to create cohesiveness among the sisterhood. That is the way to create a stronger group that can effect changes needed for equality,” the statement quoted Ms. Flossy Menson, Founder and Executive Director, Sheroes Foundation, the organiser of the conference.

The Forum is being organised in partnership with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP).

Mrs Cynthia Morrison, the sector Minister, would thus deliver a special message at the opening event.

The conference under the theme: "Setting New Paradigms for Women's Leadership in Africa," combines keynotes, panel discussions, presentations and personal storytelling to inspire women to aspire for leadership roles and to take up causes in their communities to improve the situation of disadvantaged women and children.

“We need to support one another for the good of all womankind,” said Ms. Menson, according to the statement.

The conversations will cover political and business leadership, as well as women’s health and wealth. There will be networking sessions to build linkages and partnerships.

The International Sheroes Forum is held twice every year. The main event is usually takes place in Ghana in May, while the second, which usually takes place outside Ghana in October, has been held in Abuja, Nigeria, Monrovia, Liberia, and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.