By Lydia Kukua Asamoah, GNA
Accra, March 13, GNA – As part of activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD), the Women’s Committee of the Public Services Workers Union (PSWU) of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Ghana, has held a roadshow to campaign for justice and accountability in cases of violence and discrimination against women.
The PSWU women, drawn from various divisions and regional branches of member unions, carried placards with inscriptions calling for laws that protect women and girls from violence, discrimination and exploitation; courts that believe all women and girls and end impunity; accessible and affordable legal aid; as well as support for recovery when women’s rights are violated.
They walked through principal streets around the Adabraka and TUC areas, engaging drivers, passengers and passers-by, and shared leaflets carrying messages on the IWD theme, “Rights, Justice, Action for all Women and Girls”, with a sub-theme, “Give to Gain”.
Madam Ellen Nyarko Appiah Osei, National Women’s Committee Chairperson of the PSWU, in earlier remarks, emphasised the need to celebrate the progress made in advancing the cause of women and girls globally, while acknowledging the remaining challenges and the need for action to ensure that every woman and girl lives in dignity and respect.
Madam Appiah Osei, also the Central Regional Chairperson for the Women’s Committee, said that even though Ghana could today boast of a female Vice President, more action was needed to advance gender equality.
“When we talk about rights, justice and action, we are not discussing abstract concepts or debating philosophy – we are talking about basic safety, dignity and the survival of half of the world’s population,” she said.
She called for action in communities, in government, and in homes—“action that transforms policies into protection, and promises into progress for women and girls.”
Madam Janet Augustina Kumah Koranteng, National Secretary and Regional Chairperson for Greater Accra Women’s Committee, PSWU, reiterated that the global IWD theme was a call to conscience, urging society to give more to women so that all could gain more.
She expressed the solidarity of the PSWU Women’s Committee with all women and girls facing inequalities.
“Women’s rights are human rights. Every woman and girl is entitled to equity and dignity,” she said.
Madam Koranteng noted that around the world, women and girls continued to face structural injustices, underscoring the need for effective implementation of gender equality policies.
She said leadership must prioritise gender equality as a human right and ensure safe workplaces for women.
“Let us lead by example by transforming the workplace and ensuring justice,” she said, adding that the PSWU reaffirmed its commitment to stand firmly with colleagues seeking redress and fairness at the workplace.
“Together, we can build a future where equality is not aspirational, but real; where dignity is not conditional, but guaranteed; and where every woman and girl can thrive without fear, limitation, or discrimination,” she added.
Ms Genevieve Piesie Jemba, Gender and Youth Desk Officer, PSWU of TUC, said this year’s IWD theme emphasised the value of investing in women and girls, noting that society gains collectively when women are empowered.
She said society could support women’s empowerment by providing justice, resources, time, and voice for issues affecting women and girls.
“Women need protection and safety in our homes and offices; the girl-child needs protection in our communities and schools. We can give equal pay and give credit for work women have done. Credit and loans for businesses, workshops, capacity building, and intentionally creating opportunities for women and girls,” she stated.
She also stressed the need for laws and regulations that protect survivors of domestic violence instead of punishing them.
“We need connections among state institutions so they can work in harmony to promote our issues.
“We need a system that ends the impunity of perpetrators and protection for victims who dared to speak up,” Ms Jemba advocated.
In a solidarity message, Mr John Doe, Administrative Secretary at the PSWU National Secretariat, commended the women for their demonstration of support for their fellow gender, emphasising that promoting women is “not about doing anything special for women, but about carrying ourselves along as one people.”
He said all actions aimed at advancing women’s rights, gender equality, and women’s participation in society deserved support in the pursuit of justice and fairness.
GNA
Edited by Benjamin Mensah