President John Dramani Mahama has emphasised that gender equality is not only a matter of fairness but a driving force for sustainable growth and global progress.

Addressing the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women in Beijing on Monday, October 13, President Mahama said empowering women remains central to building stronger families, resilient communities, and prosperous nations.

“Gender equality is more than a matter of justice; it is a catalyst for sustainable development,” President Mahama stated.

“When women succeed, families thrive, communities become stronger, and nations progress.”

He warned that the changing global environment threatens to reverse decades of progress made under the Millennium Development Goals and the Sustainable Development Goals.

“The global order is changing rapidly, threatening to reverse the gains made under the Millennium Development Goals and the ongoing Sustainable Development Goals,” he said.

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“The global multilateral order and our rules-based trading systems are being jettisoned, giving way to more unilateral actions by some global players.”

President Mahama said there is a need for collective action to safeguard the progress achieved over the past three decades, particularly for women in Africa.

“The African woman is particularly vulnerable, and I wish to use this platform to call on my colleague African leaders to focus on the welfare and empowerment of our women,” he said.

He noted that Ghana’s own experience demonstrates that investing in women yields “tangible benefits in productivity, innovation, and social cohesion”.

“As we look to Beijing +30, I call on all governments and partners to move beyond platitudes and commit towards transformative action,” President Mahama urged.

“Let us ensure that this milestone becomes a turning point, one that accelerates the realisation of gender equality and women’s empowerment all over the world.”

President Mahama called for unity and purpose in advancing women’s rights, saying:

“Together, we can make the next decade one of bold progress and shared prosperity for women and girls worldwide.”