The First Lady of Ghana, Mrs Lordina Dramani Mahama, has called on African leaders and global partners to increase investments in healthcare, education, and women’s economic empowerment. She made this appeal during the “Passing the Baton” session at a high-level side event of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) in New York. The event was held at the Ford Foundation Center for Social Justice under the theme “A Legacy of Leadership: Delivering for Women and Girls.”
Mrs Mahama reflected on OAFLAD’s nearly 25-year journey and stressed the need for renewed commitment to advancing the wellbeing of women and girls across Africa. OAFLAD was established nearly 25 years ago to address the HIV and AIDS pandemic, and Mrs Mahama believes that spirit of collective action remains relevant today. Africa continues to face emerging and persistent challenges affecting the health, dignity, and socioeconomic wellbeing of women and children.
The First Lady emphasized the importance of resilient healthcare systems capable of reaching every mother and child, particularly those in underserved communities. She advocated for an integrated approach to maternal healthcare that combines access to quality maternal services with HIV prevention, early screening, nutrition, and other essential lifesaving interventions. This approach aims to improve healthcare outcomes and address the unique needs of women and children.
Mrs Mahama noted that improving healthcare outcomes requires more than just investment in medical facilities and services. She stressed that healthcare interventions must be complemented by education, economic empowerment, and gender equity to achieve lasting improvements in the lives of women and families. This integrated approach can lead to healthier families, stronger communities, and more prosperous nations.
Empowering women and protecting girls can have transformative effects on communities and national economies. Mrs Mahama stated that when a mother is healthy, a young girl is shielded from harm and kept in school, and a woman is empowered to build her own livelihood, the ripple effects can lift entire communities and drive national prosperity. This highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges facing women and girls.
Reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to the principles, Mrs Mahama said the country remains focused on integrating maternal healthcare, youth empowerment, and gender equity into its national development agenda. She stressed the importance of ensuring that women and children are not left behind in national development efforts. Ghana aims to make significant progress in improving the lives of women and girls.
Mrs Mahama urged her fellow First Ladies to leverage OAFLAD’s collective influence and strengthen partnerships with governments, development organisations, the private sector, and other global stakeholders. She emphasized the need for access to quality healthcare, dignity, and economic opportunities for women and girls. By working together, African leaders and global partners can create a brighter future for the continent.
Key points
- The First Lady of Ghana calls for increased investments in healthcare, education, and women’s economic empowerment to secure a healthier and more prosperous future for Africa.
- Mrs Mahama stresses the need for resilient healthcare systems and an integrated approach to maternal healthcare to improve healthcare outcomes.
- Empowering women and protecting girls can have transformative effects on communities and national economies, driving national prosperity and lifting entire communities.
