By Opesika Tetteh Puplampu, GNA
Kasseh, March 08, GNA – The Divine Torch Foundation, a community-based organisation in the Ada East District of the Greater Accra Region, has called for accelerated national and community action to advance the rights, protection and empowerment of women and girls in Ghana.
The call was made when the organisation joined the global community to commemorate International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026, under the theme, “Rights.” Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.”
In a statement issued to mark the occasion, the foundation acknowledged the critical role women continue to play in national development, community leadership, and family wellbeing.
It, however, stated that many women and girls in Ghana still face major barriers, including gender-based violence, unequal access to education and economic opportunities, and limited participation in leadership and decision-making processes.
The organisation emphasised that empowering women was not only a social justice issue but also a strategic pathway to national progress and sustainable development.
Ms Louisa Atta Akpoto, Executive Director of the Divine Torch Foundation, stated in the release that empowering women and girls had far-reaching benefits that extended beyond individuals to families and communities.
“When women are empowered with knowledge, opportunities and resources, the impact goes far beyond individuals. It strengthens families, transforms communities, and contributes significantly to national development,” she stated.
She stressed that achieving gender equality required collective commitment from governments, civil society organisations, community leaders, development partners, and the private sector.
“International Women’s Day reminds us that gender equality is not only a women’s issue; it is a collective responsibility that demands action from all sectors of society,” she added.
It also referenced remarks made by President John Dramani Mahama during Ghana’s 69th Independence Anniversary celebration, where he emphasised the importance of investing in women as a foundation for national prosperity.
According to the statement, the president noted that “when women succeed, families thrive and nations prosper”, reinforcing the importance of prioritising women’s empowerment in national development strategies.
The foundation called on policymakers and institutions to create enabling environments that support women’s leadership, economic participation, and protection from all forms of discrimination and violence.
It also urged stakeholders to intensify efforts to address inequalities affecting women and girls, particularly those living in rural and underserved communities.
Since its establishment in 2017, the Divine Torch Foundation has implemented several community-based initiatives aimed at empowering women and young people through skills training, advocacy, and health education.
These programmes include sexual and reproductive health education, career guidance for young people, community sensitisation campaigns and advocacy against violence toward women and girls.
Through these interventions, the organisation said it had supported many women and girls in underserved communities to acquire skills, improve their livelihoods, and participate actively in community development
It stressed that achieving a just and equitable society required deliberate actions to remove structural barriers that limit opportunities for women and girls.
“As we celebrate International Women’s Day, the focus must go beyond celebration to concrete action. Every woman and girl deserves equal opportunities to learn, lead and thrive,” the statement added.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to working with communities, institutions, and development partners to promote gender equality and bridge social and economic inequalities across Ghana.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo/Linda Asante Agyei