The global observance, celebrated annually on March 8, recognises the achievements of women while drawing attention to the challenges they continue to face in society.
Stakeholders used the occasion to emphasise that empowering women and girls was essential to strengthening families, promoting justice and advancing national development.
World Vision Ghana (WVG), a Christian humanitarian organisation, called for increased national commitment to women’s rights and empowerment.
In a statement issued on the theme “Empowered Women, Thriving Communities,” the organisation said women in Ghana played vital roles in education, food security, peacebuilding and local economies but continued to face barriers including gender-based violence, limited access to education, economic exclusion, child marriage and underrepresentation in leadership.
It said effective empowerment required expanding educational opportunities, improving women’s economic inclusion, protecting women and girls from violence and addressing systemic challenges affecting vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities and those living in poverty.
WVG reaffirmed its commitment to gender equality, noting that women’s empowerment remained central to improving child wellbeing.
Its interventions include strengthening community child protection systems, supporting women through Savings for Transformation groups, promoting disability inclusion, engaging men and boys in gender justice initiatives and advocating policies that protect the rights of women and girls.
The organisation urged government agencies to scale up gender-responsive policies and increase investment in women’s development, while calling on traditional and religious leaders to challenge harmful cultural norms and practices.
Similarly, the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Ghana (FOMWAG) called for intensified efforts to safeguard the rights of women and girls and ensure justice and equal opportunities for them in all spheres of life.
In a statement commemorating the celebration under the theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” the Federation said the empowerment of women must move beyond rhetoric to concrete actions that address inequalities and barriers faced particularly by women from vulnerable and underserved communities.
The Federation expressed concern over persistent challenges confronting women and girls, including gender-based violence, harmful cultural practices, child marriage, limited access to quality education and healthcare, economic exclusion and discrimination in decision-making spaces.
It urged government, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations and development partners to strengthen laws and policies that protect women and girls while ensuring accountability for abuse, violence and discrimination.
FOMWAG also called for increased investment in education and skills development for the girl-child, describing it as a sustainable pathway to equality and national progress.
Faith leaders also used the occasion to encourage women to deepen their spiritual and moral influence in society.
Rev. Mrs. Patricia Akpene Tegbe-Agbo, National Coordinator of the Women’s Ministry of the Global Evangelical Church, urged women to boldly proclaim the message of Christ and live exemplary lives that reflect faith, compassion and integrity.
She said women had a critical responsibility to positively influence families, churches and communities while preparing the world for the second coming of Christ.
According to her, preaching Christ went beyond sermons and must be demonstrated through daily conduct in homes, workplaces, schools and communities.
“Our homes, workplaces, markets, schools and communities must become places where the light of Christ shines through our compassion, integrity, service and unwavering faith,” she said.
Rev. Mrs. Tegbe-Agbo encouraged women to remain steadfast in their faith and continue nurturing families and supporting communities, noting that their voices and contributions were essential to spiritual and social transformation.
Stakeholders noted that advancing the rights and empowerment of women and girls required sustained commitment from governments, institutions, families and communities.
They said when women and girls thrive, families grow stronger, communities become more resilient and nations achieve sustainable development.
GHBUSS
08 MAR 2026
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