By Opesika Tetteh Puplampu
Big Ada, March 27, GNA-Stakeholders at the Daring Women Summit 2026 have called for urgent, collective and sustained action to advance the rights, justice and empowerment of women and girls in Ghana.
The summit, held at Lenobinya in Big Ada and organised by the Tapioca Foundation, brought together traditional leaders, policymakers, development partners, and women’s groups under the theme “Rights, Justice, and Action for All Women and Girls – Give to Gain.”
The event served as a platform to promote dialogue, mentorship and practical solutions aimed at addressing challenges facing women, including inequality, economic exclusion and limited access to opportunities.
Mr Seth Priceless Ala-Amegavie, Chief Executive Officer of the Tapioca Foundation, welcoming participants, described the summit as a movement rather than just an event, stressing the need to move beyond conversations to real impact.
Mr Ala-Amegavie noted that although some progress had been made in advancing gender equality, many women and girls still faced systemic barriers.
“Too many girls are still denied access to quality education, and too many women continue to face economic exclusion,” he said, urging participants to commit to practical actions such as mentorship, advocacy and community engagement.
He emphasised that the summit was designed to equip participants with the knowledge, networks, and confidence needed to drive change in their communities.
Nene Lomo IV, Divisional Chief of the Lomobiawe Clan, chairing the occasion, described the theme as a direct call to confront the realities faced by women and girls and to prioritise action.
“This is not just a statement; it is a call to act. Rights must be protected, justice must be accessible, and action must be intentional,” he said.
He pledged his support for initiatives aimed at breaking social, economic, and cultural barriers and encouraged participants to use the summit as a platform to build networks and promote accountability.
Nene Lomo also called for collective responsibility, noting that sustainable progress required collaboration among traditional authorities, institutions and communities.
Delivering the keynote address, Madam Catherine Dela Dzivenu, Board Member of the Ghana Maritime Authority, urged women and girls to embrace resilience, leadership and bold action in overcoming societal challenges.
She highlighted persistent inequalities, noting that many women still had to work harder to be recognised and heard.
“Change does not come from silence. It comes from action,” she stated, encouraging women to pursue opportunities with determination.
Drawing from her personal journey, Madam Dzivenu stressed that setbacks should not discourage ambition.
“Not winning is failing. Not trying is. Persistence is the price of success,” she said, urging young women to remain focused and resilient.
She also introduced the concept of “Give to Gain”, encouraging participants to invest in others as a pathway to building stronger communities.
“When you give a girl education, you gain a leader. When you give a woman opportunity, you gain a stronger community,” she noted.
Organisers and participants alike described the summit as a turning point in efforts to empower women and girls in Ada and beyond.
They expressed optimism that the engagements and commitments made at the summit would translate into tangible outcomes, including increased opportunities, stronger networks, and sustained advocacy.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo/George-Ramsey Benamba