Dr. Angela Dwamena Aboagye Calls for Gender Justice and Women’s Leadership at UN@80 Conference
Dr. Angela Dwamena Aboagye Advocates Gender Justice and Women’s Leadership as Cornerstones of Human Rights Progress
Executive Director of The Ark Foundation,(NGO) Dr. Angela Dwamena Aboagye has admonished Ghana to strengthen its commitment to gender justice and elevate women’s leadership in human rights advocacy.
Speaking on the topic “Gender Justice and the Role of Women in Human Rights Advocacy”, she emphasized that persistent inequalities continue to undermine progress in human rights and social development.
Her address set a powerful tone at Ghana’s National Civil Society Conference held at the UPSA Auditorium to mark the 80th Anniversary of the United Nations (UN@80) and the 2025 International Human Rights Day on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.
Dr. Dwamena Aboagye stressed the need for stronger law enforcement, increased women’s representation in leadership, protection of vulnerable groups, and support for families as a foundation for advancing human rights.
She highlighted that investing in women is investing in society at large, noting that women often shoulder the burden of unpaid labour while contributing disproportionately to national development.
Rev. Canon Dr. Lawrence Tetteh, Chief Patron of the International Youth Network for United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 (IYNUNSCR), in his address called on all Ghanaians to uphold human dignity, reject discrimination, defend freedoms, and sustain interfaith harmony. His speech reinforced the universal nature of human rights and the importance of moral leadership in society.
In her opening remark, Mrs. Theophiline Bannerman, Convener of the Coalition of NGOs Associated with the UN Department of Global Communications (DGC) Ghana, emphasized the critical role of civil society in amplifying marginalized voices and holding governments accountable.
“Civil society is the lifeblood of global cooperation. It is where the voices of the marginalized find resonance. Our advocacy ensures that policies reflect the realities of ordinary people, not just the rhetoric of officials,” she said, calling for enhanced collaboration between NGOs, government agencies, and the UN system to address pressing societal issues, particularly those affecting women, children, and youth.
For his part, Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor, Founder and Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), speaking on the topic: “Youth Engagement in Advancing Human Rights and the SDGs,” emphasized that youth leadership is a development imperative.
He showcased HRRG’s work, including the Nationwide Sensitization Campaign on Kidnapping, Teenage Pregnancy and Tramadol/Drug Abuse (KTT Project), which has educated over 60,000 Ghanaians on critical issues such as kidnapping, teenage pregnancy, and substance abuse.
“Youth are not just beneficiaries of policy; they are key agents of change. When young people are empowered, societies thrive,” he stressed.
Dr. Wemakor urged the institutionalization of youth participation, protection of civic freedoms, investment in innovation and digital literacy, and prioritization of marginalized youth. “Token inclusion is not enough; we need real power-sharing and real opportunities for the next generation,” he emphasized.
Nana Yaa Serwaah Sarpong, General Manager of the EIB Network, spoke on “Civil Society and the Future of Multilateralism.”
She called for stronger investment in women’s participation across all sectors. “For Africa to thrive, we must create spaces where women lead, innovate, and make decisions that shape our economies, communities, and governance.
Gender equality is not just a women’s issue—it is a national imperative,” she said. She also announced the Women in Sustainability Africa Summit, scheduled for May 21, 2026, aimed at amplifying women’s voices in policy, entrepreneurship, and climate action.
