Report By: Ishmael Barfi
The Aiding Women in Business Africa (AWIBA) Network 2025 Conference has reignited discussions about women’s empowerment and its significant impact on economies.
Held under the theme “Empowering Women Entrepreneurship Through Sustainable Practices for Growth,” the conference brought together businesswomen, students, and stakeholders to celebrate and support women making strides in entrepreneurship.
Through training, mentoring, and empowerment sessions, the network is fostering a ripple effect of entrepreneurship and job creation.
A key highlight of this year’s event was the introduction of the AWA Lady of the Year award, a part of the AWIBA Excellence Awards.
Speaking at the conference, Mrs. Monique Kyere-Duodu, President of AWIBA Network, emphasized that the organization aims to empower young women and create an enabling environment for their business success. “Our network exists to empower young women and create opportunities for them to network and grow,” she stated. “We not only provide training and mentoring but also create opportunities for them.”
According to the President, the network has empowered 60 young women who have gone on to start their own businesses and train others. “We aim to train one lady with the expectation that she will train others. This approach has enabled us to create a significant impact, with 60 young women benefiting from our programs so far,” she noted.
However, she also mentioned that more needs to be done to empower women, citing the challenges they face in starting and running businesses in Ghana.
“The environment is not friendly towards startups,” she expressed. “Women need a supportive environment and opportunities to thrive. We must provide them with access to finance, markets, and networks to help them succeed.”
During the event, Dr. Ishmael Nii A. Dodoo, Head of Innovative Finance at the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat, highlighted the crucial role that Ghana’s youth play in national development, particularly in harnessing the potential of the blue economy.
Dr. Dodoo stated that the 2025 agenda prioritizes equipping young people with the skills needed for emerging opportunities in manufacturing, construction, and engineering. He emphasized that the government is committed to providing the necessary tools, guidance, and opportunities to empower young people in driving Ghana’s growth.
He remarked, “Investing in the capacity development of young people is essential for unlocking Ghana’s full potential and building a sustainable future, especially in tapping into the blue economy’s potential.
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
