We will have to refuse to be intimidated – Veep Prof Opoku-Agyemang demanding situations ladies – Life Pulse Daily

Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang recently delivered a powerful message at the First Annual National Forum on Women in Government and Media, urging women to stand firm against intimidation and to embrace their leadership potential. Her remarks, made at the Banquet Hall of the Presidency in Accra, resonated deeply with attendees and sparked important conversations about gender, visibility, and trust in public life.

At the heart of her address was a call for women to refuse to be belittled or intimidated simply because of their gender. “We must refuse to be shaped in other people’s images,” she declared, emphasizing the importance of self-belief and pride in being women. This message is especially relevant in a world where women in leadership often face heightened scrutiny and pressure.

The forum, themed “Leadership, Visibility, Public Trust,” brought together prominent women leaders, policymakers, and media professionals. Its goal was to foster strategic collaboration, strengthen representation, and enhance public confidence in governance and technology. This reflects a strong national commitment to inclusive leadership and the promotion of women in public service and the media.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang highlighted the unique challenges faced by women in technology and governance. Despite working under increased pressure, she stressed that national progress depends on women helping to shape Ghana’s future—whether in Cabinet, Parliament, boardrooms, newsrooms, or communities across the country. Visibility, she noted, helps normalize women’s authority, but it must be supported by credibility and sustained by public trust.

Trust, according to the Vice President, is built through accountability, clear communication, and competence. She pointed out that when media reporting is contextual rather than sensational, public trust is strengthened. The relationship between women in government and women in the media, she argued, “must not be accidental; it must be strategic,” because media shapes perception and perception influences confidence.

She warned against reducing gender issues to clickbait or focusing on superficial matters such as appearance rather than intellect, competence, and results. Such practices, she said, limit or diminish the space for women in public life. Women journalists and editors, she added, carry particular responsibility—not because women are morally superior, but because their presence brings valuable perspective.

Women in editorial spaces, she explained, are able to question framing, challenge assumptions, and demand depth. “For many, the media is a classroom for governance, economics, health, public policy, and more,” she noted. Women in media technology help clarify complex issues, elevate credible expertise, and expose harmful practices, thereby contributing to national progress.

The Vice President also addressed the challenges of the digital age, where speed and controversy often overshadow nuance. Despite this, she insisted that editorial standards must guide decision-making. Inclusive leadership, she emphasized, is not just a moral imperative but a developmental necessity. Nations that integrate women meaningfully into decision-making build stronger institutions, foster more civil governance, and promote inclusive branding.

“Women are not only beneficiaries of development; we are among its drivers,” she affirmed. Expanding representation, she clarified, does not mean lowering standards. She encouraged women in government and public institutions to lead with integrity, communicate transparently, and mentor younger women. “Let’s guide them. Let’s restore trust and let them know that we have their back,” she urged.

Visibility, she added, should go beyond self-promotion to include clear explanations of one’s work, enabling citizens to judge performance on substance rather than speculation. To young women entering public life and journalism, she said their work would shape public understanding of power and potential. She urged them to interrogate every story and decision with clarity and open-mindedness.

“Ask yourself: Whatever I’m reporting, does it clarify? Does it provoke? Does it inform? Does it inflame? And to what end?” she challenged.

The Vice President emphasized that democratic governance depends on informed citizens, and informed citizens depend on credible journalism and credible leadership. She therefore called for a deliberate relationship between women in governance and women in media to strengthen democratic accountability.

“Let us commit to leadership that is visible, credible, and compassionate. Let us build institutions that earn trust through words and actions. Let us shape national narratives responsibly and ensure that the story of Ghana’s development is told accurately, fairly, and with confidence in Ghana’s women,” she concluded.

This powerful address serves as both a rallying cry and a roadmap for women in leadership and media. It underscores the importance of visibility, credibility, and trust in shaping a more inclusive and equitable future. As Ghana continues to advance, the voices and contributions of women will be essential in driving progress and ensuring that development benefits all.

For more information on the role of women in leadership and media, or to explore resources on gender equality and inclusive governance, consider reaching out to local organizations or academic institutions dedicated to these issues.