The African Women's Leaders Network (AWLN) marked African Women's Day with a fundraising dinner and awards night under the theme "One Vision, Many Voices."

The event highlighted the significance of the Affirmative Action Bill and ongoing efforts to advance gender equality in Ghana and to celebrate the contributions of women to society.

Dr. Charity Binka, a key figure in the AWLN, emphasized the network's dedication to bridging the intergenerational gap and ensuring a solid foundation for future women leaders.

"We are keen on bridging the intergenerational gap between we the older ones, so when we exit, we know that there is a solid ground and that we have built a solid foundation for them to carry on," Dr. Binka stated.

AWLN's efforts are anchored on six pillars: political participation, peace and security, financial inclusion, young women leadership, empowering women, and social mobilization.

The network's recent launch of the AWLN Young Women's Parliament on July 5th aims to prepare young women for leadership roles.

The event also marked ten years since the first implementation of the AU Agenda 2063, which includes a gender parity principle in recruitment processes.

"The AU implemented a gender parity principle. In the new recruitment process, it is one man, one woman, and it must trickle down to member states," Dr. Binka noted.

Dr. Bineta Diop, Regional Office Representative of United Nations Women, highlighted the importance of promoting positive masculinity within AWLN.

"We want to create a positive masculinity circle as AWLN," she said.

She also stressed the need for collective efforts to ensure the passage and implementation of the Affirmative Action Bill ahead of the 2024 general elections, which will focus on gender equality and equity.

Barbara Tulu Clemens, Country Representative of the World Food Program and Acting Resident Coordinator of the United Nations Program, praised Ghana's achievement of gender parity at the basic education level.

She also recognized the contributions of Ghanaian women in international diplomacy, including Her Excellency Mary Chinery Hesse, the first African woman to achieve the rank of Secretary General of the UN.

Special guest Awa Ndiaye Seck, former UN Special Women Representative to the AU and UN ECA, called for more African countries to adopt the Affirmative Action Bill.

"We want more African countries to adopt the Affirmative Action Bill," she urged.

Paulina Okens, representative of the German Ambassador to Ghana, highlighted the essential role of women in society.

"Without women, society will not be able to flourish, so their involvement in politics and others is essential," she said.

Dr. Benjamin Yeboah Sekyere, Deputy Minister for Gender, spoke about the need to industrialize the HeForShe campaign and encourage more males to champion women's empowerment.

"The Affirmative Action Bill will propel the country's image on the international front," he added.

Angela Asante, the Presidential Advisor on Gender and Social Inclusion, representing the President of Ghana, described AWLN as a "catalyst of hope" for the nation.

She noted the progress Ghana has made in closing the gender gap in education but emphasized the need for more work at the tertiary level to enhance women's contributions to decision-making.

The awards ceremony recognized individuals who have significantly contributed to women's empowerment, including Dr. Delise Mimi Darko, Ursula Owusu Ekuful, and Betty Mould Iddrisu, among others.

Institutions and individuals such as OmniBSIC Bank, Professor Alexander Duodu, and Dr. Ofori Sarpong were also acknowledged for their support.

The AWLN, with support from the UN and other partners, continues to champion these efforts, aiming for a future where women thrive equally alongside men.