By Seli Baisie
Renowned Ghanaian diplomat and former Managing Director of Ghana International Trade Fair Company, Mrs. Esther Dzifa Ofori, has called on Ghanaian women to stand together and strive for excellence.
Speaking at the launch of the ‘Female President Project,’ orchestrated by West Africa International Press Limited in Accra, Mrs. Ofori emphasized the importance of women supporting each other to overcome challenges and break barriers.
She emphasized the need for women to take a strong stance against the patriarchal system, drawing inspiration from historical female leaders who fought against odds. “Women have to stand up and fight the system. They have to be focused and determined to fight the system not physically but through knowledge and perseverance,” Mrs. Ofori stated, underscoring the grit and determination that characterized the journeys of past women pioneers.
“Women have to stand up and fight the system. They have to be focused and determined to fight the system, not physically but with knowledge and perseverance. This is how some of these women have been able to make it. And I can tell you, they did not have it easy. They didn’t have internet and things like that. There were no microwaves and freezers, but they were able to keep themselves running in spite of all these challenges.”
Mrs. Ofori highlighted the potential of Ghanaian women in driving the nation’s economy but lamented the lack of progress due to internal divisions. “I think some of the problem is also us. Women have the tendency not to support each other. Women have the tendency to gossip about each other,” she explained, emphasizing the need for solidarity and empowerment among women.
Addressing the challenges hindering women’s development, Mrs. Ofori proposed two key strategies. Firstly, she emphasized the importance of mentorship systems to guide and inspire younger generations. Secondly, she advocated for the establishment of a leadership institute dedicated to nurturing women in positions of authority.
As the Female President Project aims to elevate women’s roles in governance and leadership, Mrs. Ofori’s insights shed light on the journey ahead, advocating for a collective effort to shatter barriers and realize the potential of Ghanaian women in various spheres of society.
