Women took the front seat of activities across the country yesterday as Ghana joined the rest of the world to mark this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD).Commemorated on the theme: “Invest in women: Accelerate progress”, sub-themes across a range of events touted women’s general importance to development and their place as stakeholders in national and international affairs.
From politics to civil service, sports to entertainment, business and entrepreneurship to academics, women have come to symbolise the emerging force of human resources, producing global icons in all fields of human endeavour.
In Ghana, various organisations and groups held fora, symposia, workshops and even health walks to celebrate women for their achievements, hard work and outstanding contributions to the growth and development of society and the improvement in the lives of the citizenry.
The events centred on issues that bordered on women’s rights, health, culture, gender equality, discrimination, welfare, education, work and politics, violence and abuse, among others.
International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8 every year by the United Nations to, among other things, provide education and highlight issues of concern, celebrate achievements and mobilise political will and resources to address problems.The Managing Director of Graphic Communications Group Ltd (GCGL), Ato Afful, advised women to “encourage each other to succeed”, reports Florence Asamoah.
Mr Afful gave the advice yesterday at the International Women’s Day celebration organised by the Local Union Women’s Chapter in collaboration with The Mirror on the theme, “Investing in Women: Accelerating Growth”.
He urged women to support one another and provide mutual support by creating opportunities for their advancement.
“Women should be deliberate about supporting one another,” he stated.
Catherine Afeku
The Head of Strategic Communication, African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Catherine Abelema Afeku, has challenged women to defy societal expectations and forge paths that are reserved for only men, Joshua Bediako Koomson reports.
She said women had the unique opportunity to be change-making forces and, therefore, they must embrace that potential by cultivating a mindset of empowerment and challenging societal expectations.“Women are the change makers so I implore every woman to dream big, set ambitious goals and never be afraid to pursue your passion with unwavering determination,” Ms Afeku said.
She was speaking at an event to commemorate the International Women’s Day at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) yesterday.
The event, which was organised by the Women’s Association of UPSA (WAUPSA), in collaboration with UPSA Students Representative Council, was on the theme; “Rewriting Ghana’s History; the Role of the Ghanaian Woman – Yes She Can.”
It brought together women who had excelled in their various fields to share their stories with the students, particularly females, and also give them some words of encouragement.Determination
Ms Afeku said as the world marked the International Women’s Day, women should be more determined to rewrite the narrative by letting their voices be heard and their actions be seen.