To mark International Women’s Day, a group of distinguished women gathered at the residence of Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Smith, to celebrate the achievements, resilience and ongoing journey of women around the world.

The event also aimed to strengthen bonds of sisterhood and friendship, encourage networking, and foster mutual support among women.

The Ambassador’s wife, Adwoa Smith, hosted the gathering. Attendees included the Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Ghana, Jane Gasu Aheto; former US Ambassador to Ghana, Pamela Bridgewater, Karen Buress, Senior Advisor to the Deputy Secretary of Commerce, Patricia Sheikh, former Head of International Programmes at the US Department of Agriculture and Joan Wadelton, a retired Foreign Service Officer and President of The Bridge.

Also present were wives of ambassadors from various African countries and other high-level personalities.

Delivering the keynote address, Ambassador Bridgewater reflected on the struggles women have endured over the years, including preventable maternal deaths in Africa and the determined fight by women in the United States to secure the right to vote.

She emphasised that these historical struggles highlight the courage and determination of women in advancing equality.

Ambassador Bridgewater also acknowledged the growing representation of women in leadership around the world.

She cited Ghana’s first female Vice President, Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, as a distinguished scholar and public figure.

Other notable female leaders mentioned included Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia, Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of Tanzania, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of Namibia and former US Vice President Kamala Harris, among many other accomplished women across the globe.

Despite these milestones, she noted that women continue to face enormous challenges, particularly during wars and conflicts where they often endure sexual violence and abuse, with rape sometimes used as a weapon of war.

She urged women to support one another and remain united.

“As we rise, we must help other women along the way,” she said.

In her remarks, Smith observed that women continue to make significant contributions in homes, communities, politics, and diplomacy, helping to shape societies and inspire future generations.

She encouraged women to share their struggles and concerns with trusted friends and allies.

“When women support one another, share ideas, and lift each other up, we create pathways and greater opportunities for our daughters and for generations yet to come,” she stated.

Smith concluded with a powerful message of encouragement, reminding women that they can achieve whatever they set their minds to because they are enough.

The meeting ended on a hopeful note, with participants expressing their commitment to reconvene next year for an even larger celebration of International Women’s Day.





Did you know that there is a fort in Ghana that was not built for slavery? And did you know that it is in Elmina? Watch the story about Fort Jago here: