Women of Valour 2026 has been launched at the residence of the British High Commission to Ghana in Accra with policymakers, media professionals, activists and survivors in attendance.

The event was held on 17th February 2026 under the theme “The Pursuit of Fearlessness.”

At the centre of the launch were emotional testimonies from abuse survivors, whose experiences are shaping this year’s advocacy focus.

Musician Diana Hopeson recounted how a marriage she entered at age 21, believing shared Christian values would guarantee peace, gradually became emotionally abusive behind closed doors.

Despite her public image as a successful musician, she revealed that she endured repeated threats on her life.

“My breaking point was when he threatened to drive our car into a truck so we would both die, simply because I smiled with fans after an event,” she said.

She added that there were also threats to obtain a weapon and kill them both, a situation that eventually forced her to leave and seek help.

Actor and advocate Vicky Zugah also shared her painful experience, beginning with a relationship in 2013 that quickly turned violent.

“He dragged me into a room and threatened to stab me,” she recounted. “Another time, he tried to drive into a mountain with me in the car.”

After leaving that relationship, she entered another which she said became physically abusive even during pregnancy.

“He beat me and threatened to kill me and my unborn child, saying nothing would happen because we live in Ghana,” she said, adding that the most painful part was being blamed by some for the failure of her relationships.

Speaking at the launch, Director of the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit, Owusuwaa Kyeremeh, assured women and young people that protection mechanisms are in place.

“We are ready to fight for women and the youth. No matter the status or class of the person involved, report the abuse and it will be dealt with appropriately,” she stated.

She noted that DOVVSU has been operational since 1998 and continues to strengthen its response systems as cases of abuse evolve.

Founder of Women of Valour, Nana Aba Anamoah, said the courage of survivors directly inspired this year’s theme.

“These are not isolated cases. Too many women suffer in silence because they are afraid afraid of judgment and afraid of not being believed,” she said.

According to her, “The Pursuit of Fearlessness” is about creating safe spaces where women can speak up without fear and trust that institutions will protect them.

The main Women of Valour 2026 event is scheduled to take place on 7 March in London, where stakeholders are expected to continue discussions on collaboration between the media, policymakers and activists to protect women and girls.