The Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE), Ghana Chapter, has officially launched its strategic plan for 2024–2028 and rolled out the second phase of its transformative partnership with the MasterCard Foundation.
Phase II is aimed at improving access to tertiary education for marginalised young women and men in Ghana.
The launch, held at the Alisa Hotel in Accra, brought together dignitaries from government, academia, civil society and international development organisations.
The event served as a rallying call for deeper collaboration to achieve gender equity in education and promote inclusive, quality learning opportunities across Ghana and Africa.
In her keynote address, Dr Martha Muhwezi, Executive Director of FAWE, Africa, emphasised the importance of partnerships in achieving systemic change.
“If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together. Our collaboration with the MasterCard Foundation is a testimony to what co-creation can achieve. We are not just continuing our work – we are deepening our partnerships and amplifying our impact.”
Dr Muhwezi outlined that the first phase of the MasterCard Foundation partnership opened doors for many disadvantaged youths, and phase two would build on those successes with greater ambition.
“We aim to ensure no girl is left behind and this requires governments, institutions and development partners working hand in hand,” she stressed.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice President of Ghana, Her Excellency Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Dr Samuel Okofo-Akofo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to gender-responsive education.
“Her Excellency sends warm salutations to all gathered here, especially those committed to empowering African children and youth, particularly girls, through education,” he conveyed.
He also highlighted Professor Opoku-Agyemang’s lifelong advocacy for education and her instrumental role in shaping the FAWE agenda and continental gender equity strategies.
Representing the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, Dr Officer Zakaria praised FAWE-Ghana and the Mastercard Foundation for their sustained impact.
“This event represents a renewed commitment to a cause at the heart of our national development. Empowering girls through education is not just an ideal—it is a necessity,” she said.
She announced that the ministry had reviewed and recommitted to a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with FAWE to implement the second phase of the initiative, titled “Second Chance Pathway for Increased Access to Tertiary Education.”
The project will target marginalised young women and men and support their pursuit of STEM-related programmes aligned with the Ghana Education Strategic Plan.
“We are fully committed to implementing this plan, which is practical, inclusive, and visionary. It supports our collective goal to prepare youth—especially young women—for the demands of the 21st century,” Dr Zakaria added.
The launch was also graced by Aisha Ba, FAWE Africa Board Chair, who reiterated that “women and girls are the cornerstone of the world” and called for equal opportunities to enable them to thrive.
“Let’s challenge them and give them room to perform to the best of their abilities,” she urged.
In her solidarity message, Rika Rigamba, Country Director of the MasterCard Foundation, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with FAWE.
She reaffirmed the Foundation’s belief in youth potential and its continued investment in education as a tool for transformation.
Although Dr Rita Roy, President and CEO of the Foundation, could not attend in person, Dr Muhwezi lauded her visionary leadership, which has extended the FAWE–MasterCard partnership over 17 years.
The launch also celebrated the legacy of Professor Essie Sutherland-Addy, fondly referred to as “Aunt Essie,” for her decades-long service to girls’ education in Ghana and Africa. “She has been the cornerstone of FAWE Ghana,” Dr Muhwezi remarked.
As the ceremony concluded, attendees were reminded of Maya Angelou’s words: “Diversity makes for a richer tapestry.”
Dr Muhwezi urged all stakeholders to continue the collective journey toward a future where every girl in Ghana and across Africa has the opportunity to “dream without limits and the support to turn those dreams into reality.”
