Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has stated that the path to gender equality requires collaboration, dedication and courage.

She reiterated that it calls for men and women to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create opportunities for others.

The Vice President said this in her opening remarks during a day’s workshop organised by the Presidency to mark this year’s International Women’s Day on the theme: “Rights, Justice, Action For ALL Women and Girls”.

“As we commemorate this important day, let us remember our shared responsibility to build workplaces where equity, respect, dignity, and opportunity are a reality for every woman, and let me add, for every man too,” she said.

She added: “You don’t agree to that, do you? We can continue to build institutions and a nation where talent, competence, and leadership are recognized and rewarded without limitation.”

Vice President Prof Opoku-Agyemang said, “when they say the workplace, let them not only think of those of them in the offices with predictable schedules, salaries and benefits.

“The vast majority of our women don’t have this. They are also in the workplace in the markets. They are in the workplace on the streets. They are in the workplace in their homes. They also matter. In all of this, let us always be mindful that it can never be about us only

“And when we have voices, let us use the voices in the interest of those who don’t have the voices. I’ve never heard them go on strike because nobody will listen to them. And yet they have needs.”

Vice President Prof Opoku-Agyemang said she used to tell her students that, the day they went on strike, in the interest of their siblings, cousins, the people in their communities, who did not have it as good as they were having, she would join them.

She said: “In fact, I’ll sponsor the brass band. Because you have been telling me that you are using your privilege in the interest of those who don’t have it. Your cousins at home don’t have anything, you know, do they go on strike?

“I’m not saying that a strike is a reason or that I’m calling for strikes. I’m just saying that we should use our voice not only for ourselves, but also for those who don’t have voices. That’s all the point I’m trying to make on the issue of the workplace.”

She said they were at the workshop to celebrate their progress as a nation, but they were also there to reflect on the work that remains.

She reiterated that International Women’s Day wwas a reminder that a nation’s advancement could not be separated from the advancement of its women.

Vice President Prof Opoku-Agyemang said across their communities, institutions, and workplaces, women exhibit resilience, innovation, professionalism, and leadership.

She said they were educators, policy makers, entrepreneurs, caregivers, administrators, and change makers.

She added that their dedication and service contribute to inclusivity, dynamism, and prosperity.

She said the theme for this year’s International Women’s Day challenges them to go beyond words and focus on real, measurable actions that promote equity and create supportive environments where women can grow, lead, and succeed.

“At the presidency, we recognise the vital importance of promoting gender equity within our institutions and throughout the broader public service,” Vice President Prof Opoku-Agyemang said.