A 16-year-old A'Level student of Roman Ridge School in Accra has won the 2023 Zonta International District 18 prize for Young Women in Public Affairs.

Tia Bhartia distinguished herself to become the only awardee from Zonta International District 18 which covers Ghana, Nigeria, Cote D'lvoire, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Liberia, Burkina Faso, Togo and Kenya.

The prize which covers a cash award of US5,000 dollars is given annually to young women whose commitment to volunteerism, leadership achievements and dedication to empowering women are seen as exemplary.

Tia who believes strongly in devoting time and effort to help build and support one's community, in 2022 raised funds to support a heart surgery of a child. She also has to her credit other community services including reading books to junior classes at the Roman Ridge School as well as some deprived schools in the community.

She has had the opportunity to Mcee at some charitable events.

Currently studying Maths, Physics and IT for her A' Levels, Tia who loves public speaking aspires to venture into the area of architecture. Her aim is to design affordable environmentally friendly structures in future.

Last year, another teenager, also from Roman Ridge School, Maisy Ama Baer, won the same award.

Zonta International is a leading global organisation of professionals empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy. Zonta envisions a world in which women's rights are recognised as human rights and every woman is able to achieve her full potential.