Gov't pledges action to empower girls, young women at She Leads Social Movement launch

Deputy Chief of Staff Nana Oye Bampoe Addo announced new actions to empower girls and young women.

She spoke at the launch of the She Leads Social Movement at Monarch Hotel, East Legon. Nana Oye Bampoe Addo emphasized that President John Dramani Mahama's administration is committed to real change.

“We are committed not only to listening, but to acting,” she stated.

In her speech, she outlined government initiatives aimed at removing barriers for women in leadership roles.

One initiative is the Women’s Development Bank, which received GH¢51.3 million in seed funding. This bank aims to support women entrepreneurs and traders.

The Deputy Chief of Staff also mentioned the One Million Coders Programme. This program equips girls with essential digital skills for today’s economy.

“This initiative will open new pathways for girls and young women,” she said.

Regarding menstrual health, she highlighted the GH¢292.4 million Free Sanitary Pad Initiative. This program ensures every girl in primary and junior high school has access to free pads.

“Dignity should never be a privilege,” she added.

Nana Oye Bampoe Addo also addressed gender-based violence issues. She plans to elevate the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVSU) to a Directorate.

Additionally, 16 regional shelters will be established for survivors' support.

Despite women making up 50.7% of the population, they remain underrepresented in politics.

“Women hold only 14.9% of parliamentary seats as of 2024,” she noted. The government aims for a 30% quota under the Affirmative Action Act.

“The She Leads Social Movement is a force for accountability and change,” she said again emphasizing action over words.

She encouraged girls and young women to claim their leadership roles boldly. They should challenge injustice and hold leaders accountable, even if it means creating their own space.

“Sit at the table of decision-making, with or without a chair,” she urged them.

Concluding her remarks, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo expressed hope for future female leadership in Ghana. “We now have a female Vice President," she said, "and I dare to dream we will have a female President one day.”

The She Leads Social Movement expands the She Leads Project into a network mobilizing over a thousand girls nationwide. Their goal is advocating for gender equality, inclusive leadership, and protecting girls’ rights.