By Enock Akonnor (Managing Editor) enockakonnor2013@gmail.com
Women from diplomatic, governmental and professional circles gathered at the residence of Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, H.E Victor Smith, to commemorate International Women’s Day and reflect on the progress, challenges and future of women around the world.
The event was hosted by Mrs. Adwoa Smith, wife of the Ambassador, who brought together a distinguished group of women to celebrate female achievements while strengthening bonds of friendship and sisterhood.
The gathering also served as a platform for networking and encouraging women to support and uplift one another.
Among the guests were the Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Ghana, Jane Gasu Aheto; former United States Ambassador to Ghana, Pamela Bridgewater; Senior Advisor to the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce, Karen Buress; Patricia Sheikh, former Head of International Programmes at the U.S. Department of Agriculture; and Joan Wadelton, a retired Foreign Service Officer and President of The Bridge.
Wives of ambassadors from various African countries and other prominent personalities also attended the gathering.
Delivering the keynote address, Ambassador Bridgewater reflected on the historical struggles women have faced, including preventable maternal deaths in parts of Africa and the long fight by American women to gain the right to vote.
She acknowledged the progress made over the years, noting that women’s representation in leadership across the globe has steadily increased.
She highlighted notable female leaders such as Ghana’s Vice President, Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang; former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf; Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan; Namibian political leader Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah; and former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris.
Despite these achievements, she noted that women still face serious challenges, particularly in conflict situations where sexual violence and abuse are often used as weapons of war.
She therefore urged women to stand together and support each other in their journeys.
“As we rise, we must help other women along the way,” she said.
Mrs. Smith, in her remarks, emphasized the vital role women continue to play in shaping societies through their contributions in homes, communities, politics and diplomacy. She encouraged women to build strong support networks and share their experiences and challenges with trusted friends.
“When women support one another, share ideas and lift each other up, we create greater opportunities for our daughters and future generations,” she said.
She ended with a message of empowerment, reminding the women present that they possess the strength and ability to achieve their aspirations.
“You are enough,” Mrs. Smith stated.
The event concluded with participants expressing their commitment to strengthening their bonds and supporting one another, with hopes of holding an even bigger gathering next year to mark International Women’s Day.
Enock Akonnor is an experienced Ghanaian journalist, based in Kumasi and currently serves as the CEO and Managing Editor of www.leakyghana.com.
With a wealth of expertise built over many years in the media industry, he has earned a solid reputation as one of Ghana’s most sought-after journalists.
Contact:
📞 +233 541 921 562
✉️ enockakonnor2013@gmail.com
