Accra: Mr Joshua Ansah, the Secretary-General of the TUC, has saluted the hardworking women of Ghana to mark International Women's Day (IWD). 'This day is not only a day of recognition but also a day of action. It is a day to reaffirm our commitment to justice, equality, and the empowerment of all women and girls,' he stated in a statement issued by the TUC.
According to Ghana News Agency, the leadership and members of TUC (Ghana) proudly recognise and celebrate the resilience, courage, and immense contributions of working women across Ghana and beyond. The statement highlights women's critical roles across agriculture, industry, and the service sector, acknowledging them as the backbone of the nation's progress and development.
Under this year's TUC theme, 'Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls: The Role of Trade Unions,' the statement emphasizes that equality cannot remain a slogan. It reiterates that rights without justice are unfulfilled promises, and justice without action is incomplete. Gender equality, it says, is a fundamental human right requiring equal rights, opportunities, and access to education.
The TUC commends the Government of Ghana for passing the Affirmative Action Act, 2024, but emphasizes the need for sustained political will and effective implementation to achieve full gender equality. Legislative progress, the statement notes, must be matched with concrete actions that translate policy commitments into real improvements for women across all sectors of the economy.
The TUC calls for urgent actions, including the ratification of ILO Convention 190 on Violence and Harassment in the World of Work and ILO Convention 183 on Maternity Protection. It also urges the government to strengthen labor inspection and enforcement mechanisms and encourages employers to invest in gender-responsive and family-friendly workplace policies.
Trade unions are urged to lead by example by increasing women's representation in leadership, mainstreaming gender-responsive collective bargaining, and supporting young women trade unionists through mentorship and capacity building. The statement underscores that women's issues are national issues, asserting that when women thrive, Ghana thrives.
As the nation commemorates International Women's Day 2026, the TUC (Ghana) renews its unwavering commitment to advancing rights, securing justice, and taking meaningful action for all women and girls. 'Once again, we salute the hardworking women of Ghana,' the statement concludes.