Accra, March 09, GNA – Mr Joshua Ansah, the Secretary-General of the TUC has saluted the hardworking women of Ghana to mark International Women’s Day (IWD).
“This day is not only a day of recognition but also a day of action. It is a day to reaffirm our commitment to justice, equality, and the empowerment of all women and girls.”
This was contained in a statement issued by the TUC.
It said on this occasion the leadership and members of TUC (Ghana) proudly recognise and celebrate the resilience, courage, and immense contributions of working women across Ghana and beyond.
“Across agriculture, industry, and the service sector – from factory floors to boardrooms, from farms to markets, from classrooms and hospitals to the corridors of power – women remain the backbone of our nation’s progress and Development. We say Ayekoo! to all women,” it stated.
“Under this year’s TUC theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls: The Role of Trade Unions,” we are reminded that equality cannot remain a slogan.”
The statement reiterated that rights without justice were unfulfilled promises, and justice without action was incomplete.
It said gender equality was not a privilege; stating that it was fundamental human rights.
The statement said it requires equal rights, equal opportunities, equal access to education, and deliberate efforts to empower women and girls at all levels of society.
It said trade unions had always stood at the forefront of the struggle for decent work, fair wages, and safe workplaces.
“On this day, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening women’s leadership, advancing gender-responsive collective bargaining, and ensuring that workplaces are safe, equitable and free from discrimination and violence.” It said.
“While we commend the Government of Ghana for the passage of the Affirmative Action Act, 2024, we emphasize that sustained political will and effective implementation are essential to achieving full gender equality.”
The statement said legislative progress must be matched with concrete action to translate policy commitments into real improvements in the lives of women across all sectors of the economy.
It said on this occasion, the TUC (Ghana) calls for actions such as: They strongly reiterating their call on Government to urgently accelerate efforts toward ratifying ILO Convention 190 on Violence and Harassment in the World of Work.
Others are Government should fast-track the ratification of ILO Convention 183 on Maternity Protection to ensure maternity leave of at least 14 weeks in line with international standards.
The rest are Government should strengthen labour inspection and enforcement mechanisms to ensure existing gender equality protections are effectively implemented.
Adding that employers must invest in women by implementing gender-responsive and family friendly workplace policies that promote equity, productivity, and business sustainability.
It said trade unions must continue to lead by example by increasing women’s representation in leadership, mainstreaming gender-responsive collective bargaining, and supporting young women trade unionists through mentorship and capacity building.
The statement said all Ghanaians must recognise that women’s issues are national issues.
It said when women thrive, Ghana thrives.
As we commemorate International Women’s Day 2026, the TUC (Ghana) renews its unwavering commitment to advancing rights, securing justice, and taking meaningful action for all women and girls.
“Once again, we salute the hardworking women of Ghana,” it stated.
GNA
Edited by Linda Asante Agyei