Jana Foundation, a non-profit organization based in Accra, is committed to breaking the barriers that prevent women from taking on leadership roles. Led by its CEO and founder, Janet Asana Nabla, who also heads the People’s National Party (PNP), the foundation is determined to encourage young women to step up in politics and leadership. On Thursday, November 21, Jana Foundation visited Kwabenya Community Senior High School in Accra to engage students in discussions about women’s empowerment and leadership opportunities.
During the event, the Jana Foundation team educated the students on important issues such as the Affirmative Action Law, Gender Equality, and the Role of Women in Politics. The primary goal was to inspire young women to take on leadership positions confidently, without the fear of exclusion or intimidation. The session, which attracted nearly 1,000 students, resonated strongly with the audience, especially the female students, who sought advice on overcoming the challenges women face in leadership roles.
One of the students, Naomi Watsa, shared her excitement after the session, describing how she felt empowered by the speech. “I was really inspired by the talk from the Jana Foundation representative. She spoke about how women can build their strength and capacity, and I’m now encouraged to push forward and not discourage myself,” Naomi said. She added that, in her northern community, girls are often discouraged from pursuing leadership roles, but the session gave her the confidence to pursue her dreams and one day become a leading female politician.
Another student, Jessica Akonfo, was also inspired by the event. She expressed her newfound courage, saying that the information on the Affirmative Action Law motivated her to consider a future in politics. “Women can do what men do, and we must have gender balance in leadership roles,” Jessica stated. Janet Asana Nabla emphasized the importance of training young women to become leaders, stating that by empowering them, the country can create a future where more women contribute to decision-making. She also highlighted the gaps that exist in female representation, particularly in Ghana’s parliament, and stressed the need for more women to join political activities.
Patience Lamisi Adam, the Programme Manager of Jana Foundation, explained that the visit to Kwabenya was part of a series of empowerment initiatives targeting young women across the country. The foundation plans to extend its efforts to include women in tertiary institutions and the informal sector, especially those in underserved communities. “We aim to build a Ghana where more women are involved in political activities, ensuring that the country’s progress includes the voices of women,” Mrs. Adam said. The teachers at Kwabenya Community Senior High School also expressed gratitude, recognizing the long-term impact such initiatives will have on shaping the country’s future leaders.
