The Vice President, Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, has called on women across the country to have confidence in their abilities and resist attempts to diminish their worth, stressing that self-belief is critical to leadership and national development.
She made the call while speaking at the First Annual National Forum on Women in Government and Media, held at the Presidency, where she underscored the importance of confidence, resilience, and intentional collaboration between women in public service and the media.
According to the Vice President, the relationship between women in government and those in the media must be deliberate and strategic, noting that the media plays a powerful role in shaping public perception and influencing how women are viewed in leadership.
She expressed concern that public discourse often places undue emphasis on women’s physical appearance rather than their competence, intelligence, and professional achievements — a trend she said undermines their contributions and limits opportunities for leadership.
She therefore urged women to reject intimidation and societal pressures that seek to define or restrict them.
The Vice President encouraged women to remain confident in their identity and capabilities, emphasising that confidence is essential for effective leadership and meaningful participation in national affairs.
She further noted that countries that actively integrate women into decision-making processes tend to build stronger institutions, achieve more stable governance, and promote inclusive economic growth.
According to her, women must not be seen merely as beneficiaries of development, but as key drivers of progress and transformation.
She also stressed that increasing women’s representation in leadership does not mean lowering standards, but rather ensuring that qualified and capable women are given the opportunity to serve.
She urged women currently serving in government and public institutions to lead with integrity, communicate transparently, and actively mentor younger women to prepare the next generation of leaders.
The forum brought together women from government and media institutions to discuss strategies for strengthening collaboration, promoting fair representation, and advancing gender inclusion in national development.
