Tag: International Women’s Day

Jacqueline Gold dies at age 62

The entrepreneur passed away on Thursday night after undergoing seven years of breast cancer therapy.

Gold, who has fought for gender equality in business for decades, was yesterday joined by her husband Dan, daughter Scarlett, sister Vanessa, and brother-in-law Nick.

Her family highlighted their ‘unspeakable sadness’ in a statement released this morning.

Jacqueline Gold during the launch of an Ann Summers store in Westfield, London (Picture: Jonathan Hordle/REX/Shutterstock)

They said: ‘Jacqueline is best-known for founding Ann Summers and leading a business run by women, for women.

‘She was also an activist for women in business, and championed female entrepreneurs with the ambition to better the working environment for women.

‘From an internship to Chief Executive Officer in less than 10 years, her determination and commitment to creating a unique retail offering led to the creation of a multi-channel retail chain, consisting of retail stores, direct sales ambassadors, and a fast growing online and third-party business.

‘It is her vision and creativity that saw Ann Summers grow from an unknown brand to a British household name and stable of the British high street.’

Jacqueline Gold at an Ann Summers brunch held in honour of International Women’s Day in 2022 (Picture: David M. Benett/Dave Benett)

Her sister Vanessa added: ‘Jacqueline courageously battled stage four breast cancer for seven years and was an absolute warrior throughout her cancer journey.’

Gold was made an CBE in the 2016 New Year Honours for services to entrepreneurship, women in business and social enterprise.

Ann Summers was named after Annice Summers, the female secretary of the company’s male founder, Michael Caborn-Waterfield.

The brand’s first shop was opened in 1970 in Marble Arch, London.

From an early age, Gold championed women in business.

Gold’s father, David, died at the start of the year.

A lifelong West Ham supporter, he was a key part of the club’s takeover in 2010 alongside his co-chairman David Sullivan.

He worked alongside his daughter to grow the Ann Summers brand.

At the time, a statement from West Ham read: ‘It is with deep sadness that West Ham United FC confirm that our beloved Joint-Chairman David Gold passed away on Wednesday morning following a short illness.

‘David Gold, 86, died peacefully with his devoted daughters, Jacqueline and Vanessa, and his fiancée Lesley, by his side.’

The club has also paid tribute to Jacqueline Gold in a Tweet today.

A tweet read: ‘Everyone at West Ham United has been left deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Jacqueline Gold CBE.’

March 17, 2023
A greater number of women in power will make decisions that affect them – Eni

Nigerian fashion content creator and brand ambassador for American footwear company Crocs Inc, Eni Adeoluwa, has asserted that more women should be given the chance to be in positions of power to ensure that the change they require is given to them.

He believes women are the best people on earth because they are so kind, nice, and pleasant to be around.

Speaking to Princess AJ on Y107.9FM’s Party Pressure show, he said, “They bring out all the good vibes in the world. You will always be happy in the midst of women, and they make you feel so good. They are also big on energy, and if they like you, they’ll tell you; if they don’t, they’ll let you know, and they give out compliments when due”.

As someone who is constantly advocating for women’s empowerment, I believe that the time has come to get women into places of power because it matters.

“I’m very happy that Africa is doing some good with awareness creation. I’m also a big believer in equality, because if you’re going to make decisions that affect women, why shouldn’t they be there to contribute? If women are not in power, certain issues that pertain to them barely come up because those in power are not affected by them and they’re not going to remember or try to discuss them; every decision will rather go against them,” he stated.

He emphasized that this is why he is very big on women’s empowerment, and even on International Women’s Day, he did a whole video for women.

“It’s something I always do because it’s so important to me.” “I’m really grateful to have women in the world that I live in,” he highlighted.

March 13, 2023
International Women’s Day 2023: Celebrating our Ghanaian female celebrities
International Women’s Day is a special day set aside to celebrate women and also shed light on some of the major issues women face in the world.

These women celebrities effortlessly combined the stress of being in the spotlight whilst excelling in their various field of work.

It is also a window that is used to celebrate women across the globe highlighting their achievements and impact for people to embrace equality.

Ghana has been working on the development of women in various fields to bring equality to the country. Women have come a long way and have broken the glass ceiling several times while proving their mettle in many fields. From science and technology to astronomy, politics and sports, women have achieved a benchmark in every profession.

Over the years, women have gained momentum in various fields. And Ghanaian women are no exceptions.

Their equal participation and leadership and public life are essential to achieving a better growing country and younger generations.
- Oheneyere Gifty Anti
Forever a superwoman. Her consistency in the media space has all of us in our feelings and that we love. Keep shinning superwoman.
- Diana Hamilton
Ghanaian gospel musician, Diana Hamilton has proven to be one of the best female artists currently. She isn’t giving up despite the male domination and we are proud of her.
- Nana Akua Addo
Fashion goddess making Ghana proud in the world. Well-done.
- Nana Aba Anamoah
There couldn’t be any better mentor in the media space than you. It’s the way you do it for us.
- Nana Ama McBrown
The actress is a superwoman and we applaud her for her great influence in the entertainment industry.
- Lydia Forson
The superwoman who inspires young ladies to speak up for themselves. We applaud you for your contributions.
- Lady Dentaa Amoateng
Obviously “the big man in the business. We are proud of you
- Naa Ashorkor
Consistently growing and never giving up is a sign of a strong woman. Congratulations!
- Serwaa Amihere
Serwaa is strong and she makes broadcasting envious. Continue being strong.
- Berla Mundi
You have risen through the odds. We love your humility too. Keep soaring!
March 8, 2023
IWD : I am here for you – Alban Bagbin assures women

As today, March 8, 2023 marks International Women’s Day, Speaker Alban Bagbin has extended heartfelt wishes to all women.

Addressing the House after the President’s State of Nation Address on Wednesday, Mr. Bagbin told the ladies in the House that, “I am here for you.”

“Honourable members, today is International Women’s Day. I want to take this opportunity to congratulate all our beautiful ladies here and all ladies in the world for partnering with men to get us this far,” he added.

Speaker Bagbin further entreated women parliamentarians as part of the IWD celebration to reach out to all women.

This, according to him is part of the 30 years celebration of Parliament.

He also urged the men to partner with women in order to make an impact in 2023.

International Women’s Day is a global holiday celebrated annually on March 8 as a focal point in the women’s rights movement, bringing attention to issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women.

This year’s celebration is under the theme “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality”

It highlights the role of innovative technology in promoting gender equality and meeting the health and developmental needs of women and girls.

March 8, 2023
IWD: ASWIM urges govt to pass Affirmative Action Law

The Association of Women in the Media (ASWIM) has entreated the government and parliament to see to the passing of the Affirmative Action Law.

The group in a statement signed by the president, Mavis Kitcher indicated that the Affirmative Action Law, which has been pending for a decade, when passed, will “help make women’s contributions count even better for the building of a dynamic and balanced society in the interest of all.”

The Affirmative Action Law seeks to remove the historically low representation of women in all decision-making spaces while promoting democracy and development through the effective participation of all citizens.

In addition, it seeks to promote women’s representation to a minimum of 40% in all policy-making spaces.

ASWIM made this call on March 8 as the world marks International Women’s Day (IWD).

The theme for this year’s celebration is “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality.”

As part of the celebration, ASWIM further urged the government to employ strategies based on equity to increase the participation of Ghanaian girls and women in the space to thrive.

This, they explained, is because advancement for every nation today is propelled by Science, Innovation and Digital Technology.

Equity interventions, ASWIM believes, should be pursued over those of equal opportunities, to create fairness for girls and women in STEM school enrolment, capacity-building programmes, incubation and start-ups of businesses and access to financing in this space.

Additionally, ASWIM supports the call of the UN Secretary-General for action on online education, removal of systemic barriers and a proactive approach to increase women’s participation and leadership in science and technology to address the imbalance.

The group used the opportunity to celebrate Ghanaian women for their immense contribution towards achieving an inclusive society in our nation’s quest to attain sustainable national development.

“On this momentous occasion, ASWIM affirms that it embraces Equity for the advancement of women and girls’; and wishes all Ghanaian women “Ayekoo” for their diverse contributions to sustaining our Motherland,” a part of the statement reads.

March 8, 2023
CHRAJ to observe International Women’s Day

The Commission on Human Rights and Administration Justice (CHRAJ) has joined the International Community to commemorate the 2023 International Women’s Day slated for March 8^th on the global theme: “DigitAll: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality”.

Mr. Joseph Whittal, CHRAJ Commissioner in a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency in Tema explained that the goal of this year’s celebration was to expedite the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development, particularly Goal five, which sought to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.

Mr. Whittal called for sustained efforts and committed leadership in establishing an all-inclusive environment for the development of women and girls all over the world.

“It is regrettable that women continue to face challenges of gender inequality which prevents them from achieving their full potential,” he said.

The gendered dimensions of inequality in the society cut across all spheres; economic development; education; access to healthcare; income; vulnerability to violence and even political representation.

He stated that a publication by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) revealed that women in public sector employment earned GHS165.00 on average, which is less than their male counterparts, representing a gender pay gap of 6 percent.

He said, “these inequalities are fuelled by some cultural and social practices, high levels of illiteracy and general lack of awareness”.

The GSS publication recorded that, 17 percent of the Ghanaian population aged 12 years and older do not own any functional Information Communication and Technology (ICT) device making the proportion among females 19.3 percent higher than males of 14.1 percent.

He noted that the internet today is not working equally for men and women, from gaps in quality of connectivity and digital skills to threats that disproportionately impact the safety and rights of women and girls preventing them from benefiting from digital opportunities technology present.

“Women and girls often experience online abuse centred around harassment, hate speech, cyber stalking, and non-consensual distribution of photos”, he noted.

Mr. Whittal stated that although there was cybersecurity legislation that protected children online, the measures appeared inadequate to protect women’s rights online.

He, therefore, urged the Ministry of Communications and Digitalization, Cyber Security Authority, National Communications Authority, and the Data Protection Agency to intensify public education and awareness on responsible use of the internet and technology and implement innovative policies meant to utilize the internet to reduce gender inequality.

He said, “the relevant agencies should mount surveillance to arrest and prosecute perpetrators of online bullying of women to serve as a deterrent to others”.

The Commission, again called on the government and its relevant agencies as a matter of priority, to design and implement innovative policies to improve access to technology by Ghanaian women and girls in the short through the medium to the long term as we observe the celebration.

March 7, 2023