The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, with support from UNICEF Ghana and UNFPA Ghana, has commemorated the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD) with a national conference, bringing together key stakeholders to reflect on Ghana’s progress and renew national commitment to gender equality.

Held under the theme “Rights, Justice, Action: For All Women and Girls,” the event provided a platform for policymakers, development partners, civil society organisations and women’s rights advocates to deliberate on strategies to advance the empowerment of women and girls across the country.

Delivering the keynote address, the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, underscored the importance of sustained national efforts to bridge gender gaps in political participation, economic empowerment, education, health and protection from violence.

She emphasised that achieving gender equality requires collective responsibility and deliberate action across all sectors of society.

The Minister further noted that the government’s “Resetting Ghana Agenda” prioritises inclusive development and is committed to translating the rights of women and girls into tangible outcomes through the effective implementation of key legislative and policy frameworks, including the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act and the Domestic Violence Act.

The sector minister called on stakeholders to champion gender equality not only as a women’s issue but as a national development priority essential for building a more just and inclusive society.

In her remarks, the Chief Director, Dr Afisah Zakariah, highlighted the importance of sustained collaboration among government institutions, civil society organisations, development partners and communities to accelerate progress towards gender equality.

Also addressing the gathering, the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Gender, Children and Social Welfare, Helen Ntoso, reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to advancing gender-responsive legislation and policies that promote the rights and welfare of women and girls.

The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Ghana, Zia Choudhury, commended the Ministry for its leadership in championing gender equality and reaffirmed continued support for initiatives aimed at empowering women and girls across Ghana.

The conference featured panel discussions and technical sessions focused on strengthening institutional coordination, addressing persistent gender inequalities and promoting inclusive policies that ensure women and girls have equal opportunities to thrive.

As Ghana joined the global community in commemorating International Women’s Day 2026, stakeholders emphasised the need for sustained advocacy, stronger partnerships and decisive action to advance gender equality and safeguard the rights of women and girls.