First Lady Lordina Mahama Urges Ghanaians to Actively Promote Gender Equality on International Women’s Day
As the world marked International Women’s Day 2026, First Lady Lordina Dramani Mahama called on all Ghanaians to take personal and collective responsibility for advancing gender equality and empowering women and girls across the country.
In a heartfelt message to commemorate the occasion, Mrs. Mahama encouraged citizens to reflect deeply on their own contributions toward creating a society where women and girls enjoy genuine equal opportunities. She challenged individuals to step up in practical ways, whether by mentoring young female entrepreneurs, championing girls’ education, or supporting policies that ensure fairness in workplaces and communities.
The First Lady emphasized that investing in women delivers widespread and lasting benefits for everyone.
“When women succeed, families flourish, communities thrive, and the nation advances,” she declared.
Drawing from the Akan proverb “Se wo were fi na wosan kofa a yenkyiri” – meaning it is never too late to go back and retrieve what was forgotten – she urged the nation to revisit and address areas where women and girls have been overlooked, working together to bring about meaningful change.
Mrs. Mahama highlighted how empowering women in various economic sectors directly strengthens Ghana’s overall development. She pointed to concrete examples, including providing better opportunities for market women at Makola Market, mentoring young women in technology startups in Accra, and offering skills training to shea butter producers in the Northern Region. Such efforts, she said, do not deplete national resources but instead unlock greater economic potential for the country.
While acknowledging notable progress in recent years – such as rising female interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, increased support for women farmers through cooperatives, and more women assuming leadership roles in district assemblies, corporations, and boardrooms – the First Lady stressed that serious challenges persist.
She noted that many talented girls still drop out of school prematurely, while capable women frequently face barriers to accessing funding and remain underrepresented in key decision-making positions.
Mrs. Mahama welcomed the opportunities created by the Affirmative Action Act and expressed strong support for upcoming initiatives, including the proposed Women’s Development Bank under the Mahama administration, which she said would provide vital financial backing to thousands of female entrepreneurs nationwide.
She also called for a revival of Ghana’s traditional systems of mutual support, such as nnoboa (communal labor) and susu (informal savings groups), which have historically enabled communities to pool resources and uplift one another.
“Reviving that spirit of cooperation will be essential in achieving true gender equality,” she said.
The First Lady concluded her message by echoing this year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Give to Gain,” and issuing a clear call to action.
“When individuals invest time, support, and opportunities in women and girls, the entire nation stands to benefit,” she stated. “God bless our homeland, Ghana.”
