Tamale: The CelebrateHER Empowering Women Summit has been held to recognise the contribution of women to local and national development as part of activities to commemorate this year's International Women's Day (IWD).
According to Ghana News Agency, the summit was organised by Balmaisha Foundation, an NGO committed to supporting preterm babies and their families, in collaboration with the Savannah Women Integrated Development Agency (SWIDA-Ghana), Norsaac, Tiyumba Hope Foundation, LittleBig Souls, Fatimah Gomda Cares Foundation, Bright Path Foundation, and Verna Water. It was held under the theme: 'Empowering Women, Accelerating Change', and was attended by stakeholders in the women empowerment space, traditional authorities, and students from second cycle institutions, among others.
The CelebrateHER Empowering Women Summit seeks to celebrate the outstanding contributions of women, and the invaluable support of men, who have stood as allies and champions of women's empowerment in Northern Ghana. Mrs Fayudatu Yakubu, Executive Director of Balmaisha Foundation, speaking at the summit in Tamale, said it was a platform to amplify women's voices, recognise their achievements, and inspire action towards a more just and equitable world.
Mrs Yakubu highlighted that true empowerment required collective action and called on all stakeholders to help create platforms that highlighted and celebrated the contributions of women, who were breaking barriers, shaping industries, and driving positive change. She also shared her personal experience as a mother of a preterm baby, which inspired the establishment of Balmaisha Foundation, describing it as a haven for mothers of preterm babies, offering them care, information, and support.
Madam Rumanatu Jibrila, Youth Empowerment Manager at Norsaac, encouraged young women and girls to seek role models and mentors to guide them in making meaningful decisions to achieve their goals and aspirations.
The summit recognised and awarded individuals for their invaluable contributions to women empowerment and community development, including Professor Adiza Sadik, Hajia Hawawu Alice Salifu, Madam Emelia Ayipio Asamoah, Mbitawurche Alijata Haruna, Madam Leila Shaibu, Mr Peter Mintir Amadu, and Mr Benjamin Dimongo Kafari.
