University of Professional Studies’ Women’s Associations in partnership with Yes She Can Foundation and UPSA  SRC Women’s Commission, on Friday organized a forum to commemorate the 2024 International Women’s Day at the University of Professional Studies.

The programme, which brought hundreds of prominent and successful women of various career backgrounds together, was under theme: Rewriting Ghana’s History, the Role of the Ghanaian Woman , Yes She Can.

The event was also used to honour selected professional women who have contributed to various sectors of the Ghanaian economy and the development of women.

Delivering the welcome address, the UPSA Dean of the Faculty of Management Studies and President of WAUPSA, Prof Fidelis Quansah commended women for the diverse roles they play in society.

She said despite the discrimination, inequality and stereotyping women face they continue to make tremendous marks in leadership, catapulting them into the limelight.

Prof Fidelis  Quansah paid a glowing tribute to the first female Registrar of the University of Professional Studies, Dr Koryoe Anim-Wright, saying she has demonstrated true leadership that has inspired other women at the university to assume leadership positions.

According to Prof Quansah, Dr Koryoe Aim-Wright was the brain behind the formation of the Women’s Associations at UPSA.

She praised a host of excelling Ghanaian women including first Ghanaian female industrialist, the late Madam Esther Ocloo, Prof Naana Opoku Agyemang, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, and Prof Aba Appiah Amfo, first female Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana among others.

Delivering the keynote address, a Minister of State at the Presidency, Madam Catherine Afeku said the day was not just an ordinary occasion but to reflect the extra ordinary achievements of women across the globe, and reaffirm women’s commitment to empowering and uplifting each other.

She said the powerful queens of ancient Ghana’s kingdoms displayed resilience, wisdom and leadership that ensured that women’s civilization prospered.

“We stand on the shoulders of trailblazers like Yaa Asantewaa, the brave Queen mother who led the fight against the British colonialism” said Madam Catherine Afeku.

She noted that Yaa Asantewa’s  courage and tenacity remain an inspiration across generations of Ghanaian women striving to overcome patriarchal norms and discrimination.

Madam Afeku expressed worry about how women in political leadership have always experienced marginalization and discrimination but yet they never gave up.

She urged female students to embrace the power within them, adding that they are the architects of their own destinies and masters of their fate.

She charged them to believe in themselves and trust in their abilities.

She said as students of an esteemed institution such as UPSA, they are the future leaders, innovators, and change-makers of our nation.

Chief Operating Officer of the Jospong Group of Companies, Madam Florence Larbi, MP for Ketu South Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, and Madam Catherine Afeku were among the women who were honoured.

A panel discussion during the programme had speakers such as Ivy Heward-Mills, Sweety Aborchie, Afua Owusu Asantewaa Aduonum and Nana Afua Serwah Adusei