Story by: Paul Mensah Nsor
The Law Students' Union of Kings University College (KUC) hosted a conference to commemorate International Women's Day, emphasizing the importance of women's empowerment and education in shaping the nation's future.
Delivering the keynote address at the Law Students’ Union’s International Women’s Day conference, Deputy Commissioner Mrs. Mercy Larbi of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) called for decisive, systemic action to secure rights, justice and opportunities for women and girls across Ghana.
Rooting her remarks in international human-rights frameworks, Mrs. Larbi said gender equality is not a “women’s issue” but a fundamental human right and a national development priority. She highlighted the year’s global theme, “Rights, Justice, Action for All Women and Girls”, and urged attendees to move beyond symbolic observance toward dismantling structural barriers that perpetuate discrimination, violence and marginalization.
Addressing legal and policy obligations, Mrs. Larbi reiterated the state’s duty under instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women to ensure equal protection and enjoyment of rights. She pointed to Ghana’s constitutional guarantees and recent measures, including the Affirmative Action Act (2024) and the newly launched National Gender Policy, as important steps that require robust implementation to produce tangible change.
The deputy commissioner underscored persistent challenges: limited access to education and healthcare, economic exclusion, harmful cultural norms, and underrepresentation in decision-making—noting women occupy only 15% of parliamentary seats. She pressed for survivor-centered justice systems that investigate thoroughly, hold perpetrators accountable, and provide medical, legal and psychosocial support.
Promoting the conference’s “Give to Gain” campaign, Mrs. Larbi framed investment in women’s rights as an economic and social imperative. “When society gives women access to education, economic empowerment and justice, the nation gains prosperity previously unreachable,” she said, urging government, private sector, traditional and religious leaders to prioritise mentorship, resources and legal protections.
Addressing students directly, she encouraged young women to pursue education and leadership roles and asked those who succeed to mentor the next generation. She also called on men to act as allies, stressing that gender equality benefits society as a whole.
Concluding her address, Mrs. Larbi urged collective commitment to translate policy into practice so every woman and girl in Ghana, regardless of background or ability, can fully enjoy her rights. The speech closed with a call for inclusive, sustained action across institutions and communities to secure justice and equal opportunity for all.
In his welcome address, Dramani David, President of the Law Students' Union, highlighted the significance of recognizing women's strength, courage, and achievements. He quoted Dr. James Emman Kwegyir Aggrey, saying, "If you educate a man, you educate an individual, but if you educate a woman, you educate a nation".
The event aimed to inspire and empower women to take leadership roles in the legal profession and society, reflecting on progress made and work still ahead.
