A senior official at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) has called for stronger involvement of young people in advancing gender equality, stressing that sustainable peace, security and development cannot be realised without the full participation of women and girls.
The Deputy for Policy Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation and Acting Director of the Women, Youth, Peace and Security Institute at KAIPTC, Ms. Horname Noagbesenu, delivered the remarks during the International Women’s Day 2026 commemoration, held on Wednesday, March 11, in Accra.
Addressing students, government officials and development partners, the official noted that the day serves not only as a celebration of progress made toward gender equality but also as a reminder of the considerable work that remains.
“International Women’s Day is not merely a symbolic event,” the official said. “It is a powerful reminder that peace, security and sustainable development cannot be achieved without the full and equal participation of women, boys, girls and men.”
The KAIPTC representative emphasised that gender equality is both a moral obligation and a strategic necessity for national and global stability.
While women in Ghana contribute significantly to peacebuilding, education, healthcare, governance and community leadership, they continue to face barriers such as gender-based violence, economic inequality and restricted access to leadership roles.
Emerging threats, including technology-facilitated abuse and discrimination, were also highlighted.
“Gender equality is not a privilege,” the official stated. “It is a right and an investment in social cohesion and sustainable peace.”
This year’s International Women’s Day at KAIPTC was held under the theme “Give to Gain”, urging individuals and institutions to take tangible action towards equality.
She stressed that genuine progress requires deliberate, sustained commitment across all sectors.
“When men support women’s leadership, institutions grow stronger. When communities invest in girls’ education, nations gain innovation and economic growth,” she noted.
A key focus of the event was youth participation, particularly among senior high school students. Around 200 students attended, reflecting KAIPTC’s commitment to fostering awareness and understanding of gender equality from an early age.
“If gender equality is not understood and embraced at the school and community levels, our national commitments risk remaining abstract and disconnected from everyday realities,” the official said.
Students were encouraged to challenge stereotypes and contribute actively to building inclusive communities.
The official also underscored the essential role of men and boys in promoting gender equality, stressing that their support strengthens empowerment efforts within families, institutions and society.
“Your support for women and girls’ empowerment is very significant for our families, institutions and the nation,” she told male participants.
Young women were urged to pursue leadership opportunities without fear, with the official noting that their leadership is central to national development.
“Your voices matter, your leadership matters and your dreams matter,” she told students.
Reaffirming the centre’s dedication, the official said KAIPTC, through its Women, Youth, Peace and Security Institute, will continue to collaborate with governments, schools and civil society organisations to advance gender equality initiatives across Ghana and Africa.
The Deputy Minister for Transport, Dorcas Affo-Toffey, also called for stronger national commitment to gender equality, describing it as a strategic investment essential for a safer, more inclusive and prosperous Ghana.
Speaking under the theme “Investing in Gender Equality for a More Inclusive and Safer Ghana for All,” she stressed the importance of gender-responsive transport systems, women’s participation in leadership roles, and opportunities for young women in logistics, engineering, aviation and maritime sectors.
“If we are truly to ‘Give to Gain’, then we must give our support, our voices and our leadership to advancing equality and justice for all,” the Deputy Minister said.
She further highlighted the roles of international partners, youth institutions, and legislation such as the Affirmative Action (Gender Equality) Act in advancing gender equality, emphasising that real progress requires collaborative action across society.
The African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) Ghana Chapter, represented by Dr Efua Turkson on behalf of Chairperson Dr Charity Binka, called for sustained investment in women and girls as a pathway to safer, more inclusive and prosperous communities.
Dr Binka’s message highlighted that equality benefits all of society, linking women’s leadership to stronger families, resilient communities, economic growth, and inclusive governance. She urged young people to act as advocates for change, noting:
“You are not only the leaders of tomorrow. You are the advocates of today.”
The AWLN also stressed the importance of legal frameworks, public awareness, male engagement, and addressing gender-based violence as vital components of meaningful equality.
The KAIPTC event concluded with a call for collective responsibility in advancing gender equality, emphasising that societal transformation requires both celebration and action.
“May this International Women’s Day inspire all of us to give more, act more and believe more so that together we may gain a more peaceful, inclusive and just Ghana,” the KAIPTC official concluded.
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