Accra: The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has called for decisive and systemic action to advance rights, justice, and opportunities for women and girls across Ghana. Madam Mercy Larbi, the Deputy Commissioner of CHRAJ, in her keynote address at the Law Students' Union International Women's Day conference, emphasized that gender equality must be seen as a fundamental human right and a national development priority.
According to Ghana News Agency, Madam Larbi highlighted the importance of moving beyond symbolic observance of International Women's Day. Instead, the focus should be on dismantling structural barriers that perpetuate discrimination, violence, and marginalization. Her speech was grounded in international human-rights frameworks, stressing the state's duty to protect and promote women's rights under instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
Madam Larbi pointed out that Ghana's legal and policy frameworks, such as the Affirmative Action Act, 2024, and the recently launched National Gender Policy, are significant steps toward gender equality. However, she noted that strong implementation is crucial for meaningful change. She addressed the persistent challenges women face, including limited access to education and healthcare, economic exclusion, harmful cultural practices, and underrepresentation in leadership and decision-making roles. Currently, women occupy about 15 percent of parliamentary seats in Ghana, and Madam Larbi stressed the need for sustained efforts to close this representation gap.
Mr. David Dramani, President of the Law Students Union (LSU) at Kings University College, in his welcome address, underscored the importance of International Women's Day as an opportunity to recognize women's achievements and resilience. He reaffirmed the need to educate and empower women to take leadership roles, quoting renowned Ghanaian scholar James Emman Kwegyir Aggrey, "If you educate a man, you educate an individual, but if you educate a woman, you educate a nation."
Ms. Cecilia Adzo Azasoo Enyonam, Vice President of the LSU, also spoke at the event, explaining the significance of the colors used for the celebration: purple, white, green, and gold, which symbolize justice, dignity, hope, and achievements of women. She urged participants to support and empower women and girls to realize their full potential.
The event was part of the Law Students Union's activities to mark International Women's Day and encourage dialogue on advancing gender equality and justice in Ghana.