- High Commission of India, WHO Ghana, and RCAPI jointly organized an event in Accra
- The event was conducted under the auspices of International Women's Day
- It was for commemoration and activation of women's empowerment and health
With the support of WHO Ghana and the Rotary Club of Accra Premier International (RCAPI), the High Commission of India hosted an event in Accra to celebrate women as part of the International Women's Day. The event was to bring to the fore and promote women's health and empowerment.
The activity, 'Stronger Her, Healthier Future', was held to mark women's health, empowerment, and contribution to society. It constituted a variety of engaging activities, such as a wellness walk, health bazaar, donation campaign, and games, with the sole aim of pointing out the necessity to nurture women both in personal and professional life.
While delivering his keynote address, Indian Ambassador to Ghana, Manish Gupta, pointed out the significance of International Women's Day.
He went on to state that this year's celebration was especially important because it marked the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, a path breaking global document that set the stage for legislative action toward gender equality. The ambassador highlighted the change-making impact of the declaration and how it has continued to push lasting change globally.
“This day is indeed historic to all of us, especially to the women with us today. We feel privileged to partner with the Rotary Club of Accra Premier International and the World Health Organization in Ghana for this event. This year is significant as we mark three decades of the Beijing Declaration," he said.
He added, "It was the first major global effort that effected great changes in legislative action. Today is the day to be proud of what has been accomplished, the women's strength, creativity, and contributions that enrich the world, making it better and happier." As the people say, "a woman is a full circle."
Shifting focus to India’s progress in women’s empowerment, the ambassador highlighted the country’s efforts to establish a robust framework for gender equality through political and socio-economic reforms.
Manish added, "In India, gender equality is constructed on two pillars: political and socio-economic empowerment of women. We were perhaps one of the only countries which, at the time of independence, gave universal suffrage to women."
He lauded the rising numbers of women pursuing higher education, saying that close to half of India's overseas students are women today. He also pointed to the increasing role played by women in defence and aviation.
"Today, in India, almost half of the foreign students who are undertaking higher education are women. In STEM fields, women constitute 40 percent of enrollments. Additionally, women are no longer lagging in areas that were once not seen as conventional for them, especially in areas like defense. Women are now breaking new ground in India," he stated.
District Governor Florence Maame Hagan, Rotary International District 9104, addressed the importance of women's health in relation to the wealth of society as a whole during the International Women's Day celebration. She called for continued investment in women's health to create a better and fairer future.
"Stronger Her, Healthier Future," the theme of this year, is a powerful reminder that investing in women's health and wealth means a stronger, healthier society for everyone. Empowerment begins with health. A healthy, empowered woman is better able to go after her dreams, take care of her family, and be a positive influence in her community, she added.
She said, "Too many women are denied access to healthcare, to nutrition, to mental health. As leaders, change-makers, and advocates, it's our duty to dismantle those barriers and work towards a world where every woman can access the care and support her deserves.” Today, united, let us remember that well-being is not merely physical well-being; it includes mental toughness, access to care, and a society that supports and protects women in all circumstances.
