ACCRA – The First Lady of Ghana, Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo, has called on African leaders to intensify efforts in girls’ education and empowerment, emphasizing that “only the empowered can empower.”
According to a new release by the Ghana News Agency, India, Mrs Akufo-Addo underscored the need to invest in girls as they are the future mothers who will raise empowered children. She highlighted her initiative, “Because I want to Be,” which aims to keep adolescent girls in school through senior high and also offers employable skills training for those out of school.
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, the CEO of Merck Foundation Africa, pledged the foundation’s support in achieving social goals, particularly in health and education. She added that working closely with first ladies had facilitated the foundation’s operations across Africa. The Merck Foundation announced the use of animated cartoons as a tool for behavioral change, focusing on better decision-making about health.
The meeting also welcomed new first ladies from Cape Verde and Sao Tome and Principe, Dr. Debora Katisa Carvalho and Mrs. Maria De Fatima Vila Nova, who were appointed as Merck More than a Mother Ambassadors. Also in attendance were first ladies from several African countries, who have been actively working on improving girls’ education, health care delivery, and women’s empowerment within their nations.