Women’s Advocate, Ms Agnes Opoku Sarpong, has urged the youth, particularly women, to discover their talents as a means to self-development and empowerment.
“Harness your talents, pursue education, and uphold moral values as integral steps towards personal empowerment and societal advancement,” she said.
Ms Sarpong, who is also a journalist, made the call during the ‘Ladies Night show, organised by the Fritz Ramseyer Memorial Congregation Young People’s Guild (YPG) of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, in Accra.
Speaking on the theme: ‘Empowering Women, Enriching Lives,’ she noted that empowering women extended beyond individual benefit, contributing to a more equitable and prosperous society.
Ms Sarpong emphasised the innate strength and dignity of women, highlighting the importance of providing them with tools and opportunities to enable them to thrive.
Quoting Proverbs 31:25, she drew attention to the scripture’s depiction of a woman clothed with strength and dignity, capable of facing the future with confidence and wisdom.
Ms Sarpong stressed that “when women are empowered through education, economic resources, and leadership roles, it not only enhance their own well-being but also strengthen their families and communities.”
She underscored the significant responsibilities placed on women, particularly as primary caregivers and educators within families.
Ms Sarpong highlighted the critical role of education in enabling women to impart essential knowledge and values to their children, thereby shaping future generations positively.
She urged the youth to reject societal vices that could hinder their success, saying “I would encourage you to prioritise education and vocational training to acquire necessary skills and knowledge relevant to societal needs.”
Ms Sarpong appealed to the government, organisations and individuals to create a conducive environment that supports women’s empowerment, enabling them to fulfill their potential and contribute meaningfully to society.
Reflecting on Christian principles, she stressed on the importance of utilising one’s gifts to serve others and glorify God.
She urged women to uphold moral values, cautioning against behaviours such as premarital sex that could derail their aspirations and lead to unintended consequences like teenage pregnancy.
Ms Sarpong reiterated that empowerment, particularly for women, involves recognising one’s calling and aligning life with godly attributes.
She encouraged Christians to embrace their identity in Christ and strive for personal excellence in every endeavour.