The High Commissioner of Barbados to Ghana, Juliette Bynoe-Sutherland, has urged young women to prioritise education, describing it as the most valuable asset for achieving their ambitions and making meaningful contributions to society.
Speaking during the Women in Diplomacy Fireside Chat hosted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ghana, Bynoe-Sutherland underscored that education remains the cornerstone of empowerment and should be the foundation upon which young women build their futures.
The discussion brought together four female heads of mission serving in Ghana, including French Ambassador Diarra Dime-Labille, Canadian High Commissioner Myriam Montrat, Italian Ambassador Laura Ranalli, and Bynoe-Sutherland, to share their leadership experiences and perspectives on diplomacy, international cooperation and global partnerships.
Addressing aspiring women leaders, the Barbadian envoy encouraged them to invest in their education, saying it provides the knowledge, confidence and opportunities needed to realise their aspirations.
“For the younger and aspiring women, education should be the greatest asset you hold on to. It is the foundation that will empower you to achieve your dreams, contribute meaningfully to society, and secure a brighter future,” she said.
The fireside conversation, held under the theme “Women Shaping Global Influence,” explored the role of women in diplomacy and leadership, while highlighting the contributions of female diplomats to strengthening international cooperation and advancing inclusive development.
Bynoe-Sutherland’s remarks come at a time when Ghana has made notable gains in expanding access to education for girls. Government initiatives, including the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, have contributed to increased female enrolment at the secondary level.
According to Ghana’s Education Sector Performance Report (ESPR), female enrolment at the senior high school level reached 48.0 percent in the 2018/2019 academic year, up from 47.6 percent in the previous academic year, reflecting gradual progress toward achieving gender parity in education.
Education experts have consistently identified girls’ education as a critical driver of economic growth, improved health outcomes and gender equality, with higher levels of educational attainment linked to increased labour force participation and stronger representation of women in leadership and decision-making.
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