Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, has called for increased investment in women across all sectors, describing their empowerment as a key driver of stronger institutions, expanded industries and accelerated national development.

The Minister made the call in her keynote address at the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD) Breakfast Meeting organised by Women in Aviation and the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) Ladies Club in Accra on Saturday.

The meeting, on the theme: “Give to Gain,” brought together women professionals from aviation and other sectors to reflect on gender equality, mentorship and leadership.

Mrs Arthur said empowering women was not only a matter of gender justice but also an economic necessity, as women continued to play critical roles in sectors including aviation, fisheries, health, business and governance.

She said the theme highlighted that progress did not occur by chance but through deliberate investments in time, knowledge, mentorship, and opportunity.

“Every gain we celebrate today exists because someone, somewhere, gave their time, knowledge, mentorship, courage or opportunity,” she added

The Minister noted that International Women’s Day had evolved into a global platform for advocacy, recognition and renewed commitment to gender equality.

Despite progress made over the years, she said women still faced challenges such as underrepresentation in leadership positions, wage disparities and limited participation in policy decisions.

Mrs Arthur commended women in the aviation industry for breaking barriers and redefining possibilities in a sector traditionally dominated by men.

Drawing parallels with the fisheries sector, she said women in Ghana’s fishing communities constituted more than 80 per cent of the workforce in fish processing and trading.

She noted that although those women financed fishing expeditions and supported livelihoods and national food security, their contributions were often under-recognised.

The Ministry had, therefore, prioritised gender-responsive policies to ensure women were actively involved in fisheries governance and decision-making, she noted.

Mrs Arthur emphasised the importance of mentorship and urged women in leadership positions to support and guide the younger ones entering their professions.

She encouraged participants to give opportunities, knowledge and support to others, saying such investments would help build stronger institutions, industries and a stronger nation.

Mrs Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, Managing Director of GACL, said the gathering provided an opportunity for women professionals and stakeholders to reflect on progress in advancing gender equality while strengthening networks that promote women’s growth across sectors.

She urged participants to recommit to creating opportunities for women, addressing persistent inequalities, and fostering inclusive environments in their workplaces and communities.

Through sustained collaboration, mentorship and support, women could continue to drive meaningful change, strengthen institutions and help build a more inclusive and prosperous society, she said.

International Women’s Day is celebrated every year on March 8 to recognise the achievements of women and to promote gender equality and women’s rights around the world.

It is a global day that highlights women’s contributions in areas such as politics, education, science, business, culture and community leadership.

The IWD was celebrated in 1911 in countries such as Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. In 1975, the United Nations officially recognised and began celebrating the day during the International Women’s Year.