The Rights and Advocacy Initiatives Network (RAIN), in collaboration with ClientEarth and UKaid, hosted the International Women’s Day Celebration at The Church of Pentecost (COP) in Nyinahin on 11th March, 2025. The event which was dubbed “Accelerate Action” brought together community leaders, professionals, women leaders in cocoa cooperatives, and grassroots advocates (women and men) who were united in advancing gender equality and empowering women.

A key highlight of the event was an insightful session led by Mrs. Esther Apraku Nyarko, Director of Department of Social Welfare and Community Development-Kumasi Metro. She provided educational discussions on women’s rights as enshrined in the Ghanaian Constitution and the Affirmative Action Law. She commended RAIN’s continuous advocacy for women, particularly in the natural resources sector, and emphasized the following key rights:

Human Rights: Ensuring equal access to education, freedom of expression, participation in decision-making, quality healthcare, and other fundamental rights promoting dignity and well-being.

Property Rights: Women have legal ownership rights, including access to marital property as stipulated by law.

Disability Rights: The Disability Act ensures support and accommodations for women with disabilities, with 3% of the District Assembly Common Fund allocated for their well-being.

Affirmative Action: This policy guarantees women equal opportunities in leadership, education, and career development, ensuring greater representation in decision-making. She clarified that gender equality does not diminish men’s roles but rather ensures fairness in opportunities for all.

The discussion also explored significant challenges hindering women from upscaling, including:

• Unequal household responsibilities, limiting girls’ study time.
• Marital restrictions, with some husbands preventing their wives from working.
• Complications from childbirth, affecting career progression.
• Cultural norms discouraging girls from pursuing education and leadership roles.

To counteract these challenges, participants emphasized the need to:

• Promote education and career aspirations for girls.
•  Build confidence in young girls and foster resilience.
•  Advocate for women’s participation in governance and leadership.

Madam Charlotte Ama Boadi, President of Cargill Women’s Network and Ampenim District Manager, shared her inspiring journey of overcoming adversity. She challenged women to never settle for less and to push beyond barriers. Her session also addressed the struggles women farmers face, including financial constraints and household responsibilities.

Queen Mother Nana Foriwaa Amanfo of Manukrom expressed gratitude to RAIN, ClientEarth, and UKaid for their commitment to empowering women. She urged parents to actively support their daughters’ education and personal development, stressing the importance of financial independence through education or vocational training. She reaffirmed her commitment to advocating for women’s empowerment within her community.

Doreen Asumang-Yeboah, director of RAIN praised the speakers and participants for their valuable contributions. She reiterated the importance of equal opportunities for all and left the audience with the words of Dr. James Kwegyir Aggrey: “If you educate a man, you educate a person; but if you educate a woman, you educate a whole nation.”

The International Women’s Day celebration in Nyinahin was a powerful reminder of the need to accelerate action toward gender equality. With the collective efforts of government agencies, traditional leaders, civil society, and individuals, we can build a future where every woman thrives.

Let’s continue to champion women’s rights and create a more equitable society for all!