Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Secretary‑General of the Commonwealth, has announced that the organisation is actively working to expand political and civil space for women and young people across Africa.
Speaking at the launch of the Grow Lead Foundation in Accra, she emphasised that this initiative is aimed at improving access to financing, technology and market opportunities for women entrepreneurs, while also amplifying their voices in climate action and sustainable development.
“We are working to open up political and civil space to women and young people to make access to finance, technology and markets easier for women entrepreneurs and to ensure that women’s voices are heard in climate action and sustainable development because progress happens when the conversation includes everyone,” she said.
Botchwey added: “What you are launching today is far more than an organisation, it is a promise that no girl, wherever she is born, should be left behind because of circumstance. By equipping women and girls from disadvantaged communities with confidence, skills and mentorship you are not just changing lives, you are planting seeds of hope that will one day grow into forests of change.”
She also drew on her personal journey, saying: “As a Ghanaian and as a woman who has walked a similar path I see myself in your mission. I know the power that comes from being believed in.”
The remarks reflect the Commonwealth’s heightened focus on inclusive development — especially the need to ensure women and young people are not sidelined as Africa pursues growth, digital transformation and climate resilience.
Source:Lovinghananews.com
