A Renowned Ghanaian scientists, Dr Sylvia Anie, has expressed the need for collective responsibility to break these barriers and create a world where every woman and girl can thrive.
“Let us all work together to empower women because when women rise, we all rise,” the Roya Society of Medicine, UK, laureate said in a statement copied the Ghanaian Times to mark International Women’s Day celebrated on Saturday.
She stated that many women still “face discrimination, gender-based violence, unequal pay, and limited access to education and opportunities.”
“By supporting policies that promote gender equality, ensuring women’s voices are heard, and challenging societal norms that hold them back, we move closer to a future where equality is not just a goal but a reality.
“As a scientist, it was a joyous experience when years of research led to the development of a contrast agent for Magnetic Resonance Imaging and this led to patenting of the discovery,” she added.
In 2022, the Royal Society of Medicine, UK, honoured Dr Anie along four West African role models celebrated to mark the UN’s International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
Dr Anie indicated that International Women’s Day was a time to celebrate the achievements, resilience, and contributions of women across the world, adding that “It is a day to recognise the progress made toward gender equality while acknowledging the challenges that still exist.”
“Women continue to break barriers in the political sphere, business industries, education, science and healthcare, and many other fields, proving that when given the opportunity, they can transform nations at large. From grassroots movements to leadership positions, women are shaping a better future for all,” she emphasisied.
“But remember, this day is also a call to action,” she added.
Dr Anie, Co-Chair of the WHO Expert Panel on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, is a global trailblaser whose groundbreaking work has left an indelible mark on science and gender advocacy.
She first gained international recognition as a researcher at the University of Manchester’s Medical School in the UK. Her pioneering work led to the development of a compound used in Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Gastrointestinal Tract, a discovery documented and patented in 1990.
Her contributions to science had earned her numerous accolades, including fellowships from the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Royal Society of Medicine in the UK. In 2015, she was honoured as an African Science Hero, and in 2011, she addressed the UN General Assembly in New York on HIV and health.
Moreover, Dr Anie has also served as Director of Gender, Health, and Education at the Commonwealth Secretariat, UK, further solidifying her commitment to advancing human development.
Dr Anie embodies the spirit of determination and innovation that defines women’s empowerment. As one of the few women to shatter glass ceilings and defy stereotypes, she is a powerful advocate for creating opportunities for women and young girls to rise to the top.
