Cegrad-Ucc Joins Global Community to Celebrate Iwd

The Centre for Gender Research, Advocacy and Documentation (CEGRAD) at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) has joined the global community to celebrate this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD).

The celebration reaffirms CEGRAD’s commitment to promoting the rights and support for women, which are crucial to inclusive growth.

The global theme “Give to Gain” calls for shifting from symbolic gestures to actionable systemic support that promotes women's advancement in education and leadership.

Far beyond a day of female showmanship, IWD serves as a call to action for accelerating gender parity worldwide. It challenges norms and stereotypes that have historically relegated women to the background in societal and national discourse.

The theme for CEGRAD’s celebration, “Her Rights. Her Justice. Our Action," was drawn from the global theme.

The event featured lively interactions, shared experiences, and messages of encouragement among participants, reinforcing the importance of women's unity and support as a powerful tool for overcoming barriers.

Speaking on the broader significance of the day, a Presidential Aide, Prof. Theresa Patrine Ennin, noted that IWD provided an opportunity to recognise women's achievements and to renew efforts to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment.

She said the celebration of IWD highlighted a global call for rights, justice, and action for all women and girls to ensure the protection and enjoyment of gender equality and women’s rights.

She urged society to continue supporting initiatives that empower women and girls to reach their full potential.

The Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Denis Aheto, extolled women on the occasion of International Women’s Day. He stated that the event was an opportunity to reflect on the vital roles women play in society, homes, governance, the professions, and in all walks of life.

He further noted that women are pulling their weight and making it impossible for anyone to downplay their essence.

He said his success at the Africa Centre for Excellence in Coastal Resilience (ACECoR) was largely based on the support of women at the Centre."More than 50% of the staff at ACECoR are made up of women. They have helped transform the Centre,” he said.

He said the University would continue to promote policies and programmes that protect and uplift women and girls on campus.

He urged women to uplift one another through mentorship, collaboration, and support for younger generations.

The Director of CEGRAD, Prof. Eunice Fay Amissah, in her remarks, called for renewed commitment to empowering women and girls across Ghana.

She emphasized that investing in women and girls remains key to achieving gender equality and building sustainable communities.

The Chairperson of the event, a former Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Rosemond Boohene, indicated the urgent need to dismantle discriminatory laws, harmful social norms, and systemic inequalities that hinder women’s full participation in society.

She called for greater empowerment of women and girls, describing it as a strategic investment in the future.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC