Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has called for renewed reflection on the role of women in national development, stressing that women have always been active contributors across all sectors of society.

Speaking at the Presidency during a ceremony to mark International Women's Day, she urged Ghanaians to rethink perceptions about women’s roles, noting that historically women in the Global South have never had the luxury of remaining idle.

“Throughout our culture, women have played roles in healing, trade, agriculture, leadership and many other professions,” she said, adding that traditional institutions such as queen mothers’ courts demonstrated women’s knowledge of customary law.

She said if women appear underrepresented in some professions today, society must question the underlying causes.

“If we go to hospitals today and do not find women in certain spaces, we must ask ourselves what went wrong,” she noted.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang explained that many traditional activities performed by women involve scientific knowledge.

“Women who smoke fish evenly or process palm oil into different forms are applying principles of science. So we should never say women do not understand science,” she said.

She urged women to build confidence in their abilities and contribute to national development without framing gender equality as a contest between men and women.

“In this part of the world, we cannot afford unnecessary divisions. We must work together to build the country,” she stated.

The Vice President also encouraged women in leadership to mentor younger women and create opportunities for others.

“If it feels lonely at the top, it is because you are the only one there. The question is: what are we doing to bring others along?” she asked.

The event was held under the theme “From Commitment to Action: Promoting Equity for Every Woman in the Workplace.”

Professor Opoku-Agyemang noted that the concept of the workplace should extend beyond offices to include women working in markets, on the streets and in homes.

“The majority of women do not have predictable salaries or benefits, yet they are part of the workforce and must be recognised,” she said.

She concluded that Ghana’s progress is closely tied to the advancement of its women.

“International Women’s Day reminds us that the progress of a nation cannot be separated from the progress of its women,” she added.