The Zonta Club of Accra II has installed a new executive to steer the affairs of the club for the 2026-2028 biennium, with a renewed commitment to advancing education, gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.
At the club's 16th Installation Ceremony in Accra recently, the newly elected President, Nana Eduwaa Appiah, outlined a three-pronged strategy focused on promoting educational opportunities, combating gender-based violence and strengthening advocacy for women and girls.
After taking office, Ms Appiah said the incoming board would build on the achievements of previous administrations while aligning its activities with the vision of Zonta International.
"Our biennial theme, Building a Better World Through Education, Shared Shelter and Equality for Women and Girls, reflects our commitment to sustaining meaningful service and creating lasting impact in our communities," she said.
Education
Under the club's education pillar, Ms Appiah said the organisation would expand its flagship Girls Fellowship Programme, which has supported the education of several girls from the basic to tertiary levels.
She said six beneficiaries were currently pursuing higher education programmes, including Veterinary Medicine, Public Health, Business Administration, Food Technology and the Arts.
The club has also enrolled a new cohort of 20 girls from the Teshie Tsui Bleoo Presbyterian School to receive educational support and mentorship.
To promote literacy, she said members had launched a reading club and planned to establish a library and learning centre at the school.
According to her, the club had already secured a substantial donation of books to support the initiative.
Gender-based violence
Addressing the issue of violence against women and girls, Ms Appiah said gender-based violence remained a significant challenge despite efforts to address it.
She announced plans for a strategic partnership with a shelter foundation to provide support services for survivors, including legal, medical, psychological and emotional assistance.
"Our approach will go beyond advocacy to provide practical support that helps survivors rebuild their lives and regain their independence," she said.
Women's rights
Delivering the keynote address, women's rights advocate Dorcas Coker-Appiah commended Zonta International for its continued efforts to promote the rights of women globally.
She noted that Ghana had demonstrated commitment to gender equality through the ratification of several international conventions and the passage of laws aimed at protecting women and vulnerable groups.
Ms Coker-Appiah cited the Affirmative Action (Gender Equality) Act, passed in 2024, as a major milestone that could increase women's participation in decision-making and leadership if effectively implemented.
She, however, stressed the need for stronger accountability mechanisms and collaboration between government institutions and civil society organisations to ensure that policies translated into tangible improvements in the lives of women and girls.
Despite progress made over the years, she cautioned that cultural and social barriers continued to hinder the full realisation of women's rights.
Leadership transition
The outgoing President of the club, Merley Wood, described the installation ceremony as a symbolic transfer of responsibility from one leadership team to another.
She highlighted the contributions of members over the years in advancing projects, mentorship programmes and advocacy initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of women and girls.
