The Secretary General of the Socialist International, Ms. Benedicta Lasi, has paid a courtesy call on the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Alban S. K. Bagbin, in an effort to bring to the fore the pressing issue of empowering more Ghanaian women into leadership roles at the international level.
During the meeting, held on Wednesday at the speaker’s office in Accra, Ms. Lasi expressed gratitude to Speaker Bagbin for his immense mentorship and support during her formative years in politics which had brought her thus far.
She commended the Speaker for the leadership he has demonstrated in promoting the ideals of women’s inclusion in the governance architecture of the country and urged women not to be cowed by threats and insults from male opponents.
The Speaker thanked Ms. Lasi for the visit and congratulated her for setting the remarkable three-pronged record as the first woman, first African and youngest person to be elected to lead the 132-member organization at age 35.
“If I had a magic wand, I would have pushed every woman into political leadership and eliminated all forms of discrimination meted out to women in their quest to enter politics,” he said.
Rt Hon Alban S. K Bagbin further emphasized that women who are able to break the odds despite the struggles they are faced to make Ghana and the continent as a whole proud must be celebrated and supported to succeed.
He assured the Secretary General of his support and that of parliament to ensure she leaves an indelible mark in her new portfolio.
