Women In Sustainability Africa (WiSA) launched to accelerate closure of SDG gaps

Women In Sustainability Africa (WiSA) has been launched to support women across Africa. This initiative aims to close the gaps in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially gender inequality.

The launch event took place at Wesley Towers in Accra, Ghana. It gathered various stakeholders to promote sustainability.

Nana Yaa Serwaa Sarpong, the Founder of WiSA, spoke at the event. She emphasized two key points for bridging the gender gap.

First, she highlighted that investing in women yields positive returns. Women are a vital labor source for African economies. For example, subsistence farmers can transition to industrial farming, boosting productivity and GDP.

Second, she noted that men must support women’s empowerment. Gender inequality cannot be solved by women alone. Both genders need to work together for progress.

Nana Yaa stressed unity between men and women is essential. There is strength in collaboration and mutual support benefits everyone involved.

She described this approach as a new wave of gender empowerment across Africa. It should foster cooperation without conflict between genders.

“Men hold the keys to success,” she said. “If we fight them, how can we succeed?”

Nana Yaa also mentioned that WiSA will collaborate with various organizations and groups. Their goal is to achieve SDGs by uniting all women, especially those at grassroots levels.

Ghana’s Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, also spoke at the event. She acknowledged climate change's impact on women and shared plans for social protection programs.

Her ministry aims to make interventions inclusive and effective for vulnerable populations. She announced a campaign called "Women Labour Day," aligning with WiSA's vision.

This campaign will celebrate women's contributions every May 1st throughout May each year. The Ministry will partner with WiSA to recognize women's roles in sustainability nationally and continentally.

The campaign will reach schools, media platforms, and community spaces. “Let this summit be a starting point for action,” she urged everyone present.

Honorable Issifu Seidu discussed women's vital roles in communities during his speech as well. He stated their contributions often go undervalued despite being crucial for sustainable development.

He emphasized that achieving stability requires addressing existing gender imbalances in various sectors related to climate action and green energy.

Seidu praised WiSA’s plan to create a Resource & Research Centre focused on promoting women's contributions to sustainability as timely and necessary.

Ghana’s Minister for Labour, Hon. Rashid Pelpuo, echoed similar sentiments about women's importance in society's core existence and economic sustainability.

He encouraged awareness of women's societal roles while announcing plans to amend labor laws recognizing women's positions in the workforce.

Adewole Adebayor from Nigeria's Social Democratic Party called for an integrated Africa where trade flourishes among nations for economic growth.

He expressed willingness to invest Nigerian capital into WiSA with a pledge of One Million dollars if sustainable plans are presented.

The CEO of Ghana’s Microfinance & Small Loans Center (MASLOC) promised government support for 16,000 sustainable women farmers through loans and guidance aimed at improving their livelihoods.

The event was organized by Women In Sustainability Africa (WiSA) alongside several ministries and organizations committed to supporting this cause.