The Member of Parliament for Savelugu constituency in the Northern Region, Hajia Fatahiya Abdul Aziz has received the prestigious honorary Hawa Yakubu Excellence Award at the 4th edition of HerStory Summit held in Tamale on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at the University for Development Studies.
The award was in recognition of the unwavering commitment and dedication of the lawmaker to girl child protection and women empowerment.
The annual event which started in 2023 celebrates women and their role in society, as well as how far they have come in fighting for equal opportunities.
The summit aims to amplify and champion the powerful voices of accomplished women, illuminate their stories, foster self-advocacy, thriving mentorship as well as sisterhood.
Delivering the keynote address as the Special Guest of Honour, the Savelugu MP shared her personal life experience while growing up, highlighting the struggles she endured but never relented in her efforts.
”Life has taught me that not everyone will believe in your dream. And when things become difficult, you must be deliberate about the circle you turn to” she said.
According to her, some people may never see anything meaningful in you, not because you lack potential, but because they do not believe in themselves, stating that, “For me, in every challenge and every ambition, I have learned to rely on those who believe in me and trust in my potential. I do not waste my time on negativity or on people with little faith on me.”
The New Patriotic Party Legislator indicated growth happens in situations of adversity and urged the youth to always step out of their comfort zone to pursue to their dreams.
”From my years in the Ghana Police Service, through my first degree, my master’s degree, my studies at Harvard, serving as a staffer at the presidency and ultimately becoming the only female MP on the NPP side in the five Northern Regions, none of this was easy. Each challenge was a signal that I was moving toward something greater” the MP stated.
Highlighting on the theme: “For All Women and Girls: Rights. Justice. Action” the Deputy Ranking Member on the Gender Select Committee of Parliament pushed for equal right to education, safety, healthcare, and equal opportunities for women and the girl-child stressing these are not just privileges, but they are fundamental and inherent.
The Savelugu MP in her remarks noted gender equity and inclusion is a shared responsibility and implored the government and the relevant institutions to reaffirm its commitment towards upholding the fundamental rights women and girls in the country.
”As a representative of the people of Savelugu, I remain fully committed to advancing gender equity and inclusion.
”But this responsibility is shared. Government must act, institutions must deliver, communities must support, and individuals must rise to the occasion” she maintained.
