The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) has urged nurses to deepen their commitment to generosity, mentorship, and collaboration to empower women and strengthen healthcare delivery.

Professor Margaret Gyapong, a Medical Anthropologist at the Centre for Health Policy and Implementation Research, Institute of Health Research, UHAS, made the call at an event organised by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) to commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day in Accra.

The event was held on the theme: “Give to Gain: The Role of Giving in Fostering Gender Equality Leading to Collective Advancement – Where Women Thrive, We All Rise.”

Prof Gyapong drew inspiration from the biblical description of a virtuous woman, portraying her as a model of noble character, strength and wisdom who approaches the future without fear.

“Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all,” she said, adding that the biblical archetype symbolised a woman who works diligently, speaks with wisdom and extends generosity to everyone – both those above and beneath her in society.

Prof Gyapong explained that the example was not intended to create guilt or unrealistic expectations for women, but rather to highlight a value-driven life in which individuals use their gifts to serve others.

“As a result of such service, people call her blessed,” she noted.

Marking International Women’s Day, Prof Gyapong challenged nurses and other professionals to reflect on the theme of giving and gaining.

“What have you given and what gains have you made?” she asked.

Prof Gyapong said the theme emphasised generosity, support and collaboration to empower women generally and nurses in particular.

She acknowledged that public rhetoric about nurses, occasionally influenced by the actions of a few individuals in the profession, had not always been encouraging, but stressed that nurses remained indispensable in the healthcare system.

Prof Gyapong said nurses played a critical role in promoting women’s health and safeguarding their rights.

She noted that women often encountered numerous barriers when accessing healthcare services, including gender bias, and said nurses were uniquely positioned to help break such barriers and ensure equitable care.

Prof Gyapong also recognised the personal sacrifices many nurses made in pursuit of professional advancement.

“After you have gained these higher heights, what are you giving to those who depend on you?” she asked.

She highlighted the contributions of distinguished nursing professionals who had helped advance the profession, saying their efforts had fostered gender equality and driven collective progress.

Prof Gyapong noted that the GRNMA had more than 120,000 members and said: “If even half of you take this charge to protect and glorify the nursing profession, the world would be a better place.”

She encouraged nurses to continue advocating women’s health and rights while supporting and mentoring young girls and boys in their communities.

Prof Gyapong also called on professionals to promote gender equality and equity through acts of generosity in various forms, saying the principle of “giving to gain” underscored the power of reciprocity and mutual support.

Mrs Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo, President of the GRNMA, called on women to take advantage of leadership opportunities and actively contribute to advancing gender equality, translating empowerment into meaningful action.

She said empowering women went beyond creating opportunities and required women to step forward when those opportunities arose.

Mr Daniel Osei Tuffour, Founder and Executive Chairperson of the YAWC Network, urged participants to make informed decisions when choosing mentors, highlighting the importance of mentorship for gender development.

He said the choice of mentors was critical for career acceleration, personal growth, and skills development.

International Women’s Day, marked annually on March 8, celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and serves as a call to accelerate gender equality.


Did you know that there is a fort in Ghana that was not built for slavery? And did you know that it is in Elmina? Watch the story about Fort Jago here: