By Eric Appah Marfo, GNA
Accra, Aug. 26, GNA – The Purim African Youth Development Platform (PAYDP) has organised a conference to empower women and girls to overcome social barriers, develop leadership capacities and contribute to national development.
The maiden “Image of a Woman” conference, held in Accra on the theme: “Empowered to Influence, Equipped to Lead, Created to Impact,” brought together women leaders, development practitioners, faith leaders, government representatives, civil society organisations, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders to discuss issues affecting women and girls.
It was organised in partnership with the Glorious Abundant Ministries International (GAMI), with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Foundation for Women’s Health Research and Development (FORWARD UK), International Needs, PrimeCert and Adehyeɛ Mma.
The initiative, inspired by “The Image of a Woman”, a book authored by Prophetess Aku Xornam Adzraku-Kevi, the Executive Director of PAYDP and General Overseer of GAMI, focused on women’s leadership, sexual and reproductive health, sexual and gender-based violence, economic empowerment, mentorship and social transformation.
Prophetess Adzraku-Kevi said the conference was conceived to bring stakeholders together to broaden conversations around women’s development and create opportunities for women and girls to overcome barriers limiting their advancement.
She said her work with women and girls through PAYDP had exposed her to challenges, including stereotypes and patriarchal structures that made it difficult for women to advance in certain sectors.
“Africa is very patriarchal, Ghana is very patriarchal. It is difficult for women to succeed in this part of the world,” she said.
She, however, noted that women were increasingly breaking those barriers and required sustained platforms for capacity building, mentorship and dialogue.
Prophetess Adzraku-Kevi urged women to take advantage of opportunities to build their capacities and rise above limitations.
“You can make it, you can reach the top. There’s nothing that is too small for you,” she said.
She also called for sustained efforts to increase women’s participation in governance, saying the increasing representation of women in Parliament and with a woman as the Vice President should inspire the country to work towards having a woman as President.
Ms Abigail Nti Tenewaah, Consultant at FORWARD UK, said leadership was demonstrated through influence, responsibility and service, and did not necessarily require a title or formal authority.
In a presentation titled: “We Are All Leaders,” she encouraged women and girls to see themselves as agents of change capable of identifying and contributing to solutions to problems affecting their communities.
She said people who experienced social problems directly often possessed valuable knowledge and insights, making their participation in decision-making essential.
The conference also highlighted the transformation of women and girls who had benefited from PAYDP’s education, mentorship, skills development, sexual health and livelihood interventions.
Ms Salah Abudu, a beneficiary, said financial difficulties forced her to move to Accra after senior high school in 2018 to work as a female head porter (Kayayoo).
Through PAYDP, she received vocational skills training, legal literacy and education on gender-based issues, before being supported to enroll at the University of Ghana, where she completed studies in public health and nursing and is awaiting national service.
Zuleiha Alhassan, from Funsi in the Upper West Region, said she moved to Accra and worked as a Kayayoo after her family could not support her education.
Through PAYDP’s partnership with UNFPA, she received training and guidance and was supported under a programme to end child marriage to pursue nursing training at the Nalerigu Nursing Training College, where she had completed her studies.
Elizabeth Ativi said she became pregnant at 18 and later experienced an abusive relationship.
PAYDP supported her with financial literacy, sexual health and livelihood training and helped her pursue a four-year hairdressing programme.
After graduating in 2023, she began working as a hairdresser and said she hoped to establish her own salon and mentor other young women.
Prophetess Adzraku-Kevi said the beneficiaries’ stories demonstrated the impact of sustained investment in girls and vulnerable women through education, skills development, mentorship and economic opportunities.
She expressed appreciation to the partners for their support, particularly GAMI, which contributed towards financing the event.
The conference also honoured veteran media personality Madam Rosemary Ardayfio for her contribution to journalism, media excellence and mentorship.
PAYDP, established in 2007, operates across all 16 regions and focuses on empowering women, youth, widows, children and vulnerable communities through education, mentorship, entrepreneurship, livelihood support and leadership development.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe
24 Aug. 2026
Pictures Added
Reporter: Eric Appah Marfo