Advocates Strength-Based Opportunities for Both Men and Women
Her Excellency Ophelia Damptey Asare, Global President and Founder of Share the Smile Ophelia Foundation International (STSOFI), has called for a renewed focus on gender equity as a practical pathway to empowering individuals and building a balanced society.
Speaking during an appearance on Original TV, Mrs. Damptey Asare stressed that society should prioritize equity rather than mere equality when addressing gender issues.
According to her, real empowerment comes when individuals are given opportunities based on their strengths, capabilities and potential, rather than being confined to traditional gender expectations.
She explained that the foundation actively works to educate students from the basic school level through to tertiary institutions, encouraging young people to identify their talents and pursue opportunities that align with their abilities.
Mrs. Damptey Asare noted that the work of Share the Smile Ophelia Foundation International goes beyond empowering women alone.
She said the organisation deliberately engages both men and women, helping them understand their unique strengths and roles in society.
In her remarks, she observed that in many gender discussions, the focus tends to lean heavily toward the challenges faced by girls and women, sometimes overlooking the needs of boys and men.
Addressing this imbalance, she said, is necessary for achieving genuine social progress.
“Empowerment should not be limited to one gender,” she indicated, adding that balanced development requires recognizing the potential of every individual.
Mrs. Damptey Asare concluded by drawing a clear distinction between equity and equality.
She explained that while equality focuses on sharing resources or opportunities equally, equity ensures that individuals are supported based on their specific strengths and circumstances so they can thrive.
Her message, she said, is aimed at encouraging institutions, educators and policymakers to adopt strength-based approaches that allow individuals to contribute meaningfully to national and global development.
Through the work of STSOFI, Mrs. Damptey Asare continues to advocate inclusive empowerment initiatives that seek to nurture confidence, capability and opportunity for both women and men.