The Executive Director of the National Schools Inspectorate Authority, Dr. Heggar Hilda Ampadu, has called on women to use the Affirmative Action Act in advocating for progress and change.
According to her, schools must not only teach but inspire, giving girls the tools not to just participate in society but to lead it.
Speaking at the Affirmation Action Conference in Accra on November 4, 2024, Dr. Heggar Hilda Ampadu emphasised the need to think beyond traditional approaches when discussing enhancing educational opportunities for women.
She noted that it is time for bold innovations and initiatives that challenge outdated norms and embrace diversity in learning, from integrated technologies to the classroom to fostering mentorship programmes that connect young girls with accomplished women in their fields.
"We need a place where girls thrive and excel. This is not just about individual success; this is about national progress. By educating our women, we are sowing seeds for economic and social development for our entire nation. Empowered women contribute to stronger communities, and stronger communities make for a stronger Ghana. The journey does not end with education; we must address the barriers that continue to stifle women's participation in political, economic, and social spheres.
"Affirmative Action Bill is a significant step forward, leveling the playing field, but it is up to all of us to ensure that these policies are not words on paper. We must work together to make them a reality where women are not just participants in development but key drivers of it," Dr. Heggar Hilda Ampadu stated.
The Inspector-General of schools added: "Today, as we gather to explore the best practices and innovations, let us do so with the conviction that the future of Ghana depends on how well we educate and empower our women and girls. Let this be a new chapter in our history where gender equality is not just an aspiration but a guiding principle in all that we do."
Organized by the National Gender Commissioner of the Graduate Students Association of Ghana (GRASAG) in partnership with the All-Africa Students Union (AASU), the Affirmative Action Conference witnessed a massive turnout. In a call to action for a more equitable future, Mercy Yaa Boatemaa Appiah, National Gender Commissioner of GRASAG, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to bring the Affirmative Action Act to life.
“We urge every stakeholder, especially educational institutions, to integrate gender equality measures and provide our future leaders with the knowledge and tools to advocate for their rights,” she said.
“We call upon government agencies and private organizations to be active collaborators, to fulfill their mandates under this Act, and to ensure a fair representation that benefits all Ghanaians. Together, let us transform this legislation into lasting change," Mercy Yaa Boatemaa Appiah added.
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