By Samira Larbie, GNA
Accra, March 12, GNA – The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has called on women to take advantage of leadership opportunities and actively contribute to the push for gender equality, to translate empowerment into meaningful action.
Mrs Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo, the President of GRNMA, speaking at an event to commemorate the International Women’s Day, emphasised the empowerment of women, which should go beyond creating opportunities to ensuring that women stepped forward when those opportunities arose.
“It is not just about opening doors for women or nurturing ourselves. When you are given the opportunity, let it count,” she said.
She expressed concern over the decline of many women to take upleadership opportunities due to self-doubt or competing responsibilities, adding that excuses such as family pressures or feeling unprepared often prevented women from taking positions where they could influence change.
Mrs Ampofo urged women to develop the confidence and commitment required to rise into leadership roles.
“Sometimes an opportunity comes suddenly, and when you call someone to take it, they say they are not ready. But leadership requires focus, preparation and the courage to step forward,” she stated.
She cautioned women who benefitted from mentorship and support not to forget those who helped them along the way, saying: “Respect and humility are essential in professional growth”.
“The people you meet when climbing the ladder are the same people you will meet when coming down. We must remember those who held our hands and helped us to get to where we are,” she noted.
The event was on the theme; “Give to Gain: The Role of Giving in Fostering Gender Equality Leading to Collective Advancement Where Women Thrive, We All Rise.”
Highlighting the importance of dedication and discipline in leadership, she reminded professionals within the association that positions of responsibility came with expectations and respect for institutional structures.
Mrs Ampofo acknowledged the contributions of past leaders of the association, including former presidents who paved the way for current leadership.
“Our predecessors have laid the foundation that allows us to lead today. We recognize their sacrifices and commitment to advancing the nursing and midwifery profession,” she said.
The GRNMA President noted that societies prosper when women prosper, describing empowered women as catalysts for innovation, economic growth and social transformation.
However, she emphasized that the pursuit of gender equality was not the responsibility of women alone.
“Gender equality is a collective responsibility. Governments must create enabling policies, institutions must champion fairness and inclusion, and communities must challenge harmful stereotypes,” she said.
Mrs Ampofo also called on men to actively support women’s advancement.
“Men must stand as allies in the pursuit of equality. We cannot achieve gender equality if we leave men behind. They must be partners in taking us to where we want to get to.”
Mr Daniel Osei Tuffour, Founder and Executive Chairperson YAWC Network, speaking on the power and importance of mentorship for gender development, urged participants to make informed decisions when choosing mentors.
He said the choice of mentors was critical for career acceleration, personal growth, and skill development.
The International Women’s Day, marked on March 8, is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.
The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender equality.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe