Gifty Adwoa Nyomi, Chief Executive Officer of Coastal Television in Cape Coast, has called for increased support and investment in women to unlock their full potential and drive national development. 

Speaking at Coastal Television’s forum to commemorate International Women’s Day 2026, she said that women played pivotal roles as family anchors, economic drivers, and innovators, adding that empowering them would significantly ease national growth, reduce poverty, and foster inclusive communities. 

“Investing in women means investing in sustainable progress,” she emphasied, urging the private sector, government, and individuals to provide funding, mentorship, and policy reforms. 

The event on the theme: “Give to gain”, drew an impressive gathering of industrious women from academia, entrepreneurship, education and Ministries, Departments and Agencies that fostered vibrant networking and inspiration among attendees. 

The programme pulsed with cultural energy, featuring lively interactions through traditional Ghanaian dances like the energetic Kpanlogo and Adziwa, performed by the Centre of National Culture. 

These were interspersed with soul-stirring songs and ministrations by the University of Cape Coast-based “Mishy Effect,” including original compositions celebrating women’s resilience, leadership, and endeavours. 

International Women’s Day began in the early 20th-century U.S. labour movements as National Woman’s Day on February 28, 1909, inspired by a garment workers’ strike, and was proposed internationally by Ms Clara Zetkin in 1910, with the first global observance on March 19, 1911.  

The United Nations formalised March 8 in 1975 to honour women’s achievements and advocate for gender equality. 

Nyomi said that the Day encapsulated the essence of what people could accomplish when they supported and uplifted one another.  

She explained that giving, whether sharing resources, knowledge, or encouragement, had created a ripple effect, enriching not only the lives of those supported but also their own. 

She stated that people had gathered that day to celebrate the countless women who had exemplified this spirit of giving, as they had led movements, sparked change and inspired countless others.  

However, she added that while celebrating, people had to reflect on the barriers that still existed and the work that remained to ensure every woman and girl had access to the resources and opportunities they deserved. 

Nyomi called on people to use the Day as a call to action, urging them to invest in the women around them, share their voice, mentor a colleague, or contribute to initiatives that support women’s empowerment.