On Friday, March 7, 2025, the streets of Accra came alive with passion, purpose, and solidarity as hundreds of women, men, and youth marched side-by-side in the Empowerment Walk to mark International Women’s Day (IWD). Organized by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP), in partnership with the Women, Media and Change and other partners, the event echoed a powerful message: gender equality is not just a goal, it is a collective responsibility.
Under the resonant theme “For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” and the campaign tagline #ForAllWomenAndGirls, the walk commemorated the economic, political, and social achievements of women while spotlighting the urgent need to protect their rights and ensure inclusive opportunities for all.
The event wasn’t just a walk—it was a movement. Starting from Obra Spot at Kwame Nkrumah Circle, participants marched through Accra with placards that bore messages like “Fairness knows no gender” and “Young girls, dream big. The future is yours to shape.” These sentiments captured the essence of the day and inspired hope across generations.
Stakeholders from all walks of life showed up: government officials, service agencies like the Ghana Police Service and the National Ambulance Service, youth groups, civil society organizations, market women, students, persons with disabilities, and media houses. Their presence reflected a national commitment to promoting gender justice beyond ceremonial events.
At the walk’s conclusion at MoGCSP’s new office complex, dignitaries took the stage to affirm Ghana’s progress and continued pursuit of gender equality.
Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, the Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, delivered a stirring keynote. She celebrated significant milestones such as Ghana’s first female Vice President, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, and highlighted efforts like the Affirmative Action Act and the BOAME Mobile App, designed to support survivors of gender-based violence.
Dr. David Wilfred Ochan, UNFPA Country Director, expressed the organization’s unwavering support for the Ministry’s gender equality efforts, emphasizing the need for sustained partnerships and action.
Dr. Efua Kwaambaa Turkson, speaking for Emerging Public Leaders (EPL) Ghana, reinforced EPL’s advocacy for inclusive public service leadership through its Women on the Rise initiative. She delivered compelling statistics on the gender gap in Ghana and called for bold, transformative policies that dismantle systemic barriers for women and girls.
While the event was a success, it highlighted logistical challenges such as the need for better traffic control and more support to accommodate the increasing number of participants. Organizers recommended improved coordination with law enforcement, expanded post-walk engagement spaces, and broader collaboration with corporate and media organizations to enhance future events.
The Empowerment Walk was more than a symbolic gesture—it was a declaration of commitment, unity, and progress. It reminded us that empowering women and girls is not a one-day affair but an ongoing movement requiring deliberate actions and inclusive policies.
As we look ahead, the call remains clear: let us keep walking, working, and rising—for all women and girls
