Former Ghanaian First Lady, Lordina Dramani Mahama, has emphasized the need for increased investment in healthcare, education, and women's economic empowerment to enhance the well-being of women and children and advance Africa's development. Speaking at a high-level Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) side event in New York, she stressed that African countries must build resilient health systems capable of providing comprehensive care to mothers and children.
Mrs. Mahama noted that maternal healthcare should be linked to HIV prevention, early screening, nutrition, and other essential services. She also highlighted that healthcare interventions alone cannot address the challenges facing women and girls, emphasizing that education, gender equality, and opportunities for women to establish sustainable livelihoods are equally crucial to building stronger families and communities.
The event, held at the Ford Foundation Center for Social Justice, was themed "A Legacy of Leadership: Delivering for Women and Girls." During the "Passing the Baton" session, Mrs. Mahama reflected on OAFLAD's nearly 25-year history, noting that the organization was established during the HIV and AIDS pandemic, which required coordinated leadership from African First Ladies.
Mrs. Mahama called on African leaders and development partners to utilize OAFLAD's collective influence to strengthen global partnerships and ensure that quality healthcare, dignity, and economic opportunities become accessible to women and children across the continent. She also reaffirmed Ghana's commitment to integrating maternal healthcare, youth empowerment, and gender equity into its national development agenda.
The former First Lady emphasized 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 transformative ripple effects lift entire communities and drive national prosperity. She urged stakeholders to prioritize these areas to create a positive impact on the lives of women and girls.
OAFLAD's efforts focus on addressing the social and economic conditions that influence the well-being of women and children. By investing in women's health, education, and economic empowerment, African countries can build stronger, more resilient communities and drive sustainable development.
Mrs. Mahama's remarks at the OAFLAD side event underscored the importance of collaborative efforts to address the challenges facing women and girls in Africa. Her call for increased investment in women's health, education, and economic empowerment resonated with stakeholders, emphasizing the need for collective action to drive positive change.
Key points
- Former Ghanaian First Lady, Lordina Mahama, urges increased investment in women's health, education, and economic empowerment to drive Africa's development.
- Mrs. Mahama emphasizes that healthcare interventions alone cannot address the challenges facing women and girls, highlighting the need for education, gender equality, and economic opportunities.
- OAFLAD's efforts focus on addressing the social and economic conditions that influence the well-being of women and children, with a goal of building stronger, more resilient communities.
