WISA Festival Concludes with Strong Call for Women Empowerment Investment

The 2026 Women in Sustainability Africa (WISA) International Festival, held at the University of Ghana, has successfully concluded, marking a significant step towards empowering women and fostering sustainable development across the continent. As reported by the Ghanaian Times, the event underscored the critical need for greater investment and collaboration between men and women to drive Africa's economic growth.

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What we need now is funding, partnerships and collaborations so we can reach more women and bring more women into sustainability.

Founder and President of WISA, Rev. Nana Yaa Serwaa Sarpong, expressed satisfaction with the festival's success, highlighting its role in generating ideas for women's leadership in building a sustainable future. The strong presence of men at the event was particularly noted, emphasizing that closing the gender gap requires a united effort. WISA's vision extends beyond conferences, with concrete projects planned in agriculture, energy, education, and the circular economy, though financial support remains a key challenge.

The festival also served as a platform to celebrate progress in gender equality within Ghana, exemplified by the election of the nation's first female Vice President. This milestone, as noted by the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Naa Momo Lartey, demonstrates women's capability in top leadership roles. The government's commitment, through initiatives like the Affirmative Action Act and the National Gender Policy, further solidifies the drive towards equal opportunities.

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The development had shown many people that women were equally capable of occupying top leadership positions.

From a Ghanaian perspective, this festival is more than just a conference; it's a testament to the nation's progress and its commitment to inclusive growth. While international coverage might focus on the broader economic implications, for us in Ghana, it's about tangible progress, policy implementation, and the inspiring stories of women stepping into leadership. The annual observance of the WISA International Festival on May 1st will serve as a constant reminder of these achievements and the ongoing journey towards full gender equality and sustainable development.

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Empowering women was important for inclusive growth, poverty reduction, and national development.