Participants at the International Women’s Day conference organised by the Law Students’ Union (LSU) of Kings University College have been urged to play an active role in advancing gender equality and protecting the rights of women and girls in Ghana.
Delivering the keynote address at the event, the Deputy Commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Madam Mercy Larbi, stressed that achieving gender equality required deliberate and sustained action across all sectors of society.
She said while Ghana had made progress through policies such as the Affirmative Action Act, 2024 and the National Gender Policy, stronger implementation was needed to translate these frameworks into real opportunities and protections for women.
Madam Larbi noted that women in Ghana continued to face barriers including limited access to education and healthcare, economic exclusion, harmful cultural practices and underrepresentation in leadership and decision-making positions.
According to her, women currently hold about 15 per cent of parliamentary seats in the country, highlighting the need for deliberate efforts to close the gender gap in political representation.
She also emphasised the importance of building survivor-centred justice systems that investigate abuse thoroughly, prosecute perpetrators and provide victims with adequate medical, legal and psychosocial support.
The conference formed part of activities to mark International Women’s Day, celebrated globally under the theme: “Rights, Justice, Action for All Women and Girls.”
President of the Law Students’ Union, Mr David Dramani, said the event aimed to recognise the achievements of women while promoting education and empowerment as tools for leadership and national development.
He reiterated the Faculty of Law’s commitment to nurturing future professionals who would contribute meaningfully to society.
Quoting renowned Ghanaian scholar James Emman Kwegyir Aggrey, Mr Dramani said: “If you educate a man, you educate an individual, but if you educate a woman, you educate a nation.”
Vice President of the LSU, Ms Cecilia Adzo Azasoo Enyonam, also highlighted the significance of the day, describing it as an opportunity to celebrate the strength and contributions of women across the world.
She explained that the colours associated with the celebration—purple, white, green and gold—symbolise justice, dignity, hope and the achievements of women in their quest for equality.
Ms Enyonam urged participants to continue supporting initiatives that empower women and girls to realise their full potential.
The event brought together students, academics and stakeholders to discuss practical ways of promoting gender equality and strengthening justice systems in Ghana.
