Accra: Stakeholders have called for sustained investment in gender equality to build a safer, more inclusive, and prosperous Ghana. They emphasized that empowering women and girls through education, leadership opportunities, and supportive policies would strengthen families, improve economic productivity, and promote sustainable national development.
According to Ghana News Agency, the call was made at the commemoration of the 2026 International Women's Day (IWD) organized by the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) in Accra. The event, themed 'Investing in Gender Equality for a More Inclusive and Safer Ghana for All,' is part of global efforts to reflect on progress made toward gender equality while mobilizing renewed action to address the challenges that continue to limit the rights and opportunities of women and girls.
The event brought together government officials, development partners, civil society organizations, and more than 200 senior high school students from selected constituencies in the Greater Accra Region. Madam Dorcas Affo-Toffey, the Deputy Minister for Transport, highlighted that gender equality was not only a matter of fairness and human rights, but also a strategic investment in the nation's progress, stability, and prosperity.
She noted that when women and girls were given equal opportunities through education, protection, and economic empowerment, societies benefited through stronger families, healthier communities, and a more productive economy. "Simply put, when we invest in women and girls, we invest in the future of Ghana," she said. Madam Affo-Toffey acknowledged the significant contributions of Ghanaian women in sectors such as entrepreneurship, agriculture, public service, education, and transportation, but said many women and girls still faced barriers that limited their full participation in national development.
These barriers included unequal access to economic opportunities, underrepresentation in leadership, and harmful cultural practices that restricted the potential of women and girls. She called for increased public education and dialogue to challenge cultural norms that undermined the dignity and rights of women and girls, stressing that gender equality ultimately benefited both women and men.
The Deputy Minister mentioned that the transport sector was working to promote gender-responsive policies that addressed the mobility and safety needs of women and girls. Efforts were underway to improve safety within public transport systems, encourage women's participation in the transport industry, and provide training opportunities for young women interested in careers in logistics, engineering, aviation, and maritime services.
She reaffirmed the government's commitment to strengthening policies that promote gender equality through frameworks such as the National Gender Policy and the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act. Madam Affo-Toffey said achieving gender equality required strong collaboration among government institutions, development partners, civil society, and the youth.
Dr. Efua Turkson, speaking on behalf of Dr. Charity Binka, Chairperson of the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) Ghana Chapter, said investing in women's leadership was essential for peace, prosperity, and sustainable development. She noted that AWLN, established by the United Nations and the African Union, worked to promote intergenerational leadership, mentorship, and advocacy for gender-responsive policies.
Dr. Turkson emphasized that although women in Ghana continued to make strides in governance, health, education, agriculture, and entrepreneurship, many still faced challenges such as gender-based violence, economic inequality, and marginalization. She stressed that gender equality should never be seen as a cost but rather an investment that strengthened communities and national development.
Ms. Horname Noagbesenu, Acting Director of the Women, Youth, Peace and Security Institute (WYPSI) at KAIPTC, speaking on behalf of the Commandant, Air Vice Marshal David Anetey Akrong, emphasized that gender equality was central to peace, security, and sustainable development. She encouraged individuals and institutions to invest their time, resources, and influence in promoting equality and inclusion, aligning with the theme for the celebration, 'Give to Gain.'
Ms. Noagbesenu also reiterated the commitment of the KAIPTC and its Women, Youth, Peace and Security Institute to advancing gender equity through research, policy engagement, advocacy, and capacity-building initiatives across Ghana and Africa.