Commemoration of International Women's Day: Invest more in women for accelerated devt — Fisheries Minister
The Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Emelia Arthur, has called for increased investment in women across all sectors of the economy to accelerate national development and economic growth.
She said empowering women was not only a matter of gender equality but also an economic necessity in building stronger communities and industries.
The minister, therefore, urged institutions and industry leaders to prioritise mentorship, knowledge sharing and also support systems that would enable more women to rise into leadership and professional roles.
Speaking at a breakfast meeting to mark the 2026 International Women's Day (IWD) in Accra on Saturday, Mrs Arthur added that when women were supported with opportunities, skills and resources, the benefits extended beyond individuals to households, businesses and the broader economy.
Meeting
The breakfast meeting was organised by the Ghana Airports Company Limited to commemorate the 2026 International Women's Day, on the theme: “Give to Gain.”
The event was also used to educate participants on financial management, diabetes prevention, menopause and its effects.
It was attended by the Managing Director of Ghana Airports Company Limited, Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare; the Director-General of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, Stephen Wilfred Arthur; the Board Chairperson of Access Bank Ghana, Ama Bawuah; a Family Physician Consultant at 37 Military Hospital, Diana Afeng-Nkansah, and an Obstetrician-Gynaecologist at the same hospital, Heindel Seneya.
Advocacy
The minister explained that the day had over the decades, evolved from a simple commemoration into a powerful global platform for advocacy, recognition and renewed commitment to gender equality.
“Every gain we celebrate today, whether in aviation, fisheries, business, health, security or governance exists because someone somewhere gave their time, their knowledge, their mentorship, their courage or their opportunity.
“Giving is not merely an act of generosity. It is an act of investment which yields returns that outlast the giver,” she said.
In many sectors, Mrs Arthur said, women remained underrepresented at leadership levels, underpaid relative to their male counterparts, and under-served by policies historically designed without their input.
“Today, we name those gaps not to dwell in frustration, but to strengthen our resolve to close them,” she said.
Lack of support
Mrs Arthur further observed that women continued to play vital roles in many sectors of the economy, yet their contributions were often under-recognised and insufficiently supported by policies and institutional frameworks.
She, however, said that in many communities, particularly within the fisheries value chain, women remained central to fish processing, trading and marketing activities that sustained household incomes and food security.
The minister further said that structural inequalities, limited access to finance, modern technologies and leadership opportunities continued to hinder their full participation and advancement in the sector.
“When we invest in women, we are not just supporting individuals; we are strengthening families, building resilient communities and accelerating national development,” she said.
Gender inclusio
For her part, Mrs Opare said the airports company remained committed to promoting gender inclusion by creating opportunities for women within the aviation sector.
She explained that empowering women through mentorship, professional development and supportive workplace policies was essential to building stronger institutions and a more resilient industry.
Mrs Opare also said that the celebration of the day served as an important reminder for organisations to take deliberate steps towards addressing gender inequalities and supporting women’s advancement.
