The 8th International “SHEROES” Forum opens in Accra on Thursday May 16, 2019, with women leaders expected to gather to discuss the pertinent issues informing low participation of women in leadership roles in Africa.

World-wide, some progress has been made in the push for equal representation of women and men in leadership positions, but the balance of power continue to tilt in favour of men. H.E. Dr. Ameenha Gurib-Fakim, Former President of Mauritius, is the Guest of Honour for the three-day conference, which takes place at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra, from 16th -18th May 2019. More than 200 delegates from three continents are expected to attend.

The Accra conference provides the platform for those who have travelled the path of leadership to share their experiences and reexamine the issues that continue to perpetuate the disparities, and explore new ways of tackling the issues relating to gender equality and inclusion, especially in Africa.

Dr. Ameenha Gurib-Fakimjoins trailblazers like Hon. Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, Ghana’s first female Chief of Staff at the Presidency, Veteran Politician Christine Churcher, who is also Board Chair of the Ghana National Gas Company Limited,Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, Senior Economic Advisor, Africa Economic Development Policy Initiative, Nigeria, and co founder of the “Bring Back our Girls Campaign,”H.E. Dr. Joice Mujuru, FormerVice President of Zimbabwe, and H.E. Mrs. Clar Weah, First Lady of the Republic of Liberia.

“The time has come for women to create cohesiveness among the sisterhood. That is the way to create a stronger group that can effect changes needed for equality,” says Ms. Flossy Menson, Founder and Executive Director, Sheroes Foundation, organisers of the conference.

The 8th International Sheroes Forum is being organised in partnership with Ghana’s Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP). Hon. Cynthia Morrison,the sector Minister, will deliver a special message at the opening event.

The conference under the theme: “Setting New Paradigms for Women’s Leadership in Africa,”combines keynotes, panel discussions, presentations and personal story telling to inspire women to aspire for leadership roles and to take up causes in their communities to improve the situation of disadvantaged women and children.

“We need to support one another for the good of all womankind,” said Ms. Menson.

The conversations will cover political and business leadership, as well as women’s health and wealth. There will be networking sessions to build linkages and partnerships.

The International Sheroes Forum is held twice every year. The main event is usually takes place in Ghana in May whiles the second, usually outside Ghana in October, has been held in Abuja, Nigeria, Monrovia, Liberia, and Dubai in the United Arab Emirate.

Source: https://thebftonline.com