Friday, July 31, was celebrated as Africa Women’s Day on the theme: “Rooted in Greatness”.

The day is used in honouring the greatness deeply embedded in the African woman’s identity. Whether in politics, education, agriculture, business, health, the arts, or community development, women of African descent continue to transform lives and redefine leadership in both visible and quiet ways.

Their impact stretches across generations and borders, grounded in courage, dignity and collective progress.

Given the distinctive context of Africa’s heritage and the significant roles played by African women throughout history, it is crucial to increase awareness about African women and commemorate their significance, as it presents a valuable opportunity to acknowledge and honour the contributions of African women.

On the occasion of African Women’s Day 2025, the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), Ghana Chapter, joined women across the continent and the diaspora in celebrating the enduring strength, resilience and leadership of African women.

The 2025 theme, it said, “invites us to reflect not only on our rich heritage but also on the extraordinary contributions of African women, past and present, in shaping our societies”.

Statement

The Chairperson, AWLN Ghana, Dr Charity Binka, in a statement to mark the day, said in 2024, AWLN Ghana Chapter marked the Day with a maiden awards ceremony on the theme:

“One Vision, Many Voices: Celebrating our Gender Champions”. 

The event, she said, aimed to recognise and celebrate outstanding gender champions, to reinforce the importance of gender diversity and inclusion, and to strengthen the network of individuals and organisations committed to advancing women's leadership.

She said a total of 22 trailblazing individuals, both women and men, were recognised for their efforts in promoting gender equality and women's leadership in their disciplines.

The statement said that as a network committed to advancing women’s leadership, AWLN Ghana recognises both the victories and the unfinished work.

While African women are rising, they continue to face unequal access to resources, underrepresentation in decision-making spaces and systemic barriers to economic and social mobility.

It said Ghana made history by electing its first female Vice President in the 2024 elections.

However, the representation of women at all levels of decision-making remains very low.

Catalyst for reflection

AWLN Ghana, therefore, sees the African Women’s Day as not just a ceremonial event. It is a catalyst for reflection, recommitment and action. For women in Ghana, it affirms their rightful place in the country’s development and aligns powerfully with the goals of the Affirmative Action Act, which seeks to create a just society where women and men participate equally in shaping the nation’s future.

“We therefore look forward to the full implementation of the Affirmative Action Act in the allocation of resources, appointments to all decision-making bodies to reflect gender balance in accordance with the law.

“We expect private sector actors to promote workplace policies that support gender diversity and provide opportunities for women’s advancement.

“AWLN Ghana appeals to traditional and religious leaders to use their influence to challenge harmful norms and champion the value of women’s leadership in communities,” it added.

It recognised the role of civil society and the media in keeping the spotlight on progress, exposing resistance or inaction, and amplifying the voices of women and girls.

It added that AWLN Ghana remained committed to mobilising African women across generations and sectors to amplify our voice and deepen our impact.

We will continue to work in solidarity with partners across the continent and beyond to ensure that the greatness we celebrate today becomes the foundation for an even greater tomorrow.