Accra: Mrs Emelia Arthur, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, has called for increased investment in women across all sectors, citing their empowerment as essential for strengthening institutions, expanding industries, and accelerating national development. The Minister made this call during her keynote address at the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD) Breakfast Meeting organized by Women in Aviation and the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) Ladies Club in Accra.
According to Ghana News Agency, the meeting, themed ‘Give to Gain,’ gathered women professionals from aviation and other sectors to discuss gender equality, mentorship, and leadership. Mrs. Arthur emphasized that empowering women is both a matter of gender justice and an economic necessity, given their critical roles in various sectors such as aviation, fisheries, health, business, and governance.
The Minister highlighted that progress in these areas requires deliberate investments of time, knowledge, mentorship, and opportunity. She stated, “Every gain we celebrate today exists because someone, somewhere, gave their time, knowledge, mentorship, courage or opportunity.” International Women’s Day, she noted, has evolved into a global platform for advocacy, recognition, and a renewed commitment to gender equality.
Despite advancements over the years, Mrs. Arthur pointed out that women still face challenges like underrepresentation in leadership roles, wage disparities, and limited involvement in policy decisions. She praised women in the aviation industry for breaking barriers in a male-dominated field and drew comparisons with the fisheries sector, where women constitute over 80% of the workforce in fish processing and trading in Ghana.
Mrs. Arthur acknowledged that although these women finance fishing expeditions and support livelihoods and national food security, their contributions are often under-recognized. Therefore, the Ministry has prioritized gender-responsive policies to ensure women’s active involvement in fisheries governance and decision-making.
She stressed the importance of mentorship and urged women in leadership to support and guide newcomers in their professions. Participants were encouraged to provide opportunities, knowledge, and support to others, as such investments are crucial for building robust institutions, industries, and a stronger nation.
Mrs. Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, Managing Director of GACL, noted that the event facilitated reflection on progress in gender equality and strengthened networks that promote women’s growth in various sectors. She urged attendees to recommit to creating opportunities for women and addressing persistent inequalities, fostering inclusive environments in workplaces and communities.
Through sustained collaboration, mentorship, and support, women can continue to drive meaningful change, strengthen institutions, and contribute to a more inclusive and prosperous society. International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on March 8, recognizes women’s achievements and promotes gender equality and women’s rights worldwide. It highlights women’s contributions in politics, education, science, business, culture, and community leadership, with its origins tracing back to 1911 and official recognition by the United Nations in 1975 during the International Women’s Year.