By Rebecca Ekpe
The Commonwealth is intensifying efforts to empower women and the youth, ensuring their increased participation in key sectors such as politics, business, and civil society. These initiatives are part of the organization’s broader strategy to promote gender equality and inclusive economic development.
According to the Commonwealth, the “Say No More” campaign aimed at combating violence against women and promoting gender equality has been a key success.
The Commonwealth Secretary General, Patricia Scotland, in an interview with GBC NEWS, said almost all member states are either implementing or developing policies to align with this campaign.
Women Empowerment:
Madam Scotland said that for countries to reach their full economic potential, women must have equal opportunities in all spheres of human endeavor.
She cited a landmark achievement in Ghana where Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has been sworn in as the first-ever female vice president.
‘’The event also saw Ghana’s Chief Justice, another prominent female figure, officiating the ceremony, highlighting the increasing role of women in political leadership,’’ Madam Scotland acknowledged.
In her view, the Commonwealth’s focus on women’s empowerment, youth engagement, and economic growth reflects ‘’a forward-thinking strategy to navigate global challenges and opportunities’’.
Furthermore, through initiatives that promote gender equality, technological innovation, and inclusive trade, the Commonwealth is also ‘’positioning itself as a leader in shaping a more prosperous and sustainable future for all its member states’’, Madam Scotland posited.
The Commonwealth also fosters entrepreneurship through programs like the hackathons and innovation awards, encouraging young people to develop solutions to global challenges such as climate change.
Youth Development:
The Secretary General explained its Connectivity Agenda, saying it is unparalleled and significantly driven by growth in intra-Commonwealth trade and investment in its AI Academy. She acknowledges a global AI boom, which is expected to contribute about $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030.
‘’With more than 60% of the Commonwealth’s population under the age of 35, youth empowerment remains a central focus,’’ Madam Scotland explained.
She said, ‘’Through initiatives like the Year of the Youth and the launch of the AI Academy, the Commonwealth is equipping young people with free training in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence.”
This is aimed at preparing them for the digital economy and addressing the skills gap in a rapidly changing global landscape.
Scotland’s Message to President Mahama
Madam Patricia Scotland said, ‘’the recent presidential inauguration in Ghana marked a historic moment of national unity.”
According to the Commonwealth Secretary General, ‘’the newly elected president John Mahama, highlighted the importance of economic renewal, youth empowerment, and addressing security and corruption.”
Furthermore, ‘’his inclusive approach, promising to serve all Ghanaians regardless of background, resonated widely, signaling a new chapter in the country’s development.’’
Madam Scotland said, ‘’the peaceful transition of power and emphasis on swift action in the first 120 days of his administration reaffirmed Ghana’s political stability and commitment to addressing the challenges ahead.”
