An engagement programme was held to commemorate International Women’s Day 2026, bringing together women entrepreneurs, community representatives, institutional partners, and industry stakeholders to discuss issues surrounding women and girls’ rights, justice, and economic empowerment.

The programme created a platform for education, dialogue, and collaboration aimed at empowering women, particularly those engaged in small and medium enterprises such as hairdressing, dressmaking, and trading.

The event attracted key institutions whose work directly supports women’s empowerment and protection of rights. Representatives from the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service, Access Bank Ghana, the Ghana Enterprises Agency, SHE Success, and AngloGold Ashanti were present to share insights on support systems available to women entrepreneurs.

Discussions during the programme focused on raising awareness about women’s rights, access to justice, and practical opportunities that can help women grow their businesses. Speakers highlighted legal protection mechanisms, financial services, business advisory support.

A key highlight of the programme was a panel discussion moderated by Yvonne Adomako Asabere, CSR and Sustainability Assurance Officer. The session addressed major challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, including limited access to finance, lack of awareness of legal rights, protection against gender-based violence, business registration barriers, and the need for training and mentorship.

Panelists also provided practical guidance on how participants could access services offered by their respective institutions. The CHRAJ representative explained mechanisms for addressing human rights concerns and administrative justice matters, while the DOVVSU representative educated participants on reporting and seeking support for domestic and gender-based violence cases. The representative from Access Bank highlighted financial products and advisory services designed to support women-owned businesses.

Speaking at the sidelines of the event, Patience Amoakoa Agyei, Senior Administrative Supervisor of the Underground Mining Alliance, called for increased support and opportunities for women to enable them fully realize their potential in skilled trades and entrepreneurship.

Amoakoa Agyei emphasized that empowering women and educating them to safeguard their rights are essential for building resilient families and sustainable communities, highlighting the broader impact of women’s empowerment on societal growth and development.

Lawrence Turkson, Project Manager at the Underground Mining Alliance, highlighted the significance of the celebration’s theme, “Rights. Justice. Action.” He stressed the need for deliberate efforts to advance gender equality and ensure women are given equal opportunities to participate and thrive in all sectors of society.

Also speaking at the event, Philippe Pearse, Project Manager, called for greater support for women, noting that empowering women with the right opportunities and resources enables them to make meaningful contributions and positively impact society.

In her remarks, Yvonne Adomako Asabere emphasized the importance of creating equal opportunities for women and encouraged participants to take full advantage of opportunities available to them to enhance their personal growth and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Participants expressed appreciation for the opportunity to interact directly with institutions responsible for protecting rights and supporting business development. The engagement reinforced the importance of collaboration between industry, public institutions, and community organizations in creating an enabling environment for women and promoting sustainable community development.