First Lady Lordina Dramani Mahama has called on Ghanaians to play an active role in advancing gender equality, urging citizens to support and empower women and girls across the country.
In her message to mark International Women’s Day 2026, the First Lady encouraged individuals, families, and institutions to reflect on how they can contribute to creating equal opportunities for women.
She framed this year’s message around the theme “Give to Gain,” stressing that investing in women ultimately strengthens families, communities, and the nation.
“As we observe International Women’s Day 2026, I encourage every Ghanaian to reflect on what you will give to gain gender equality,” she said.
She urged Ghanaians to support the aspirations of women in practical ways, including mentoring young female entrepreneurs, advocating for girls’ education, and promoting fairness in workplaces and communities.
“Always remember that investing in women brings benefits. When women succeed, families flourish, communities thrive, and the nation advances,” she added.
Drawing inspiration from Ghanaian culture, the First Lady cited a well-known Akan proverb to highlight the need to revisit unfinished efforts toward equality.
“Se wo were fi na wosan kofa a yenkyiri when you forget something and go back for it, it is not forbidden,” she noted, explaining that Ghana must ensure no woman or girl is left behind in the country’s development.
She pointed out that empowering women in various sectors from market women in Makola to young technology entrepreneurs in Accra and shea butter producers in the Northern Region contributes directly to national prosperity.
“Together, we must go back and lift every woman and girl we may have left behind, for in their rise, Ghana rises,” she said.
The First Lady acknowledged the progress Ghana has made in expanding opportunities for women. According to her, there has been increased interest and enrollment of girls in STEM education, greater support for women farmers through cooperatives, and a growing number of women assuming leadership roles in district assemblies, corporate institutions, and boardrooms.
Despite these gains, she emphasized that significant challenges remain.
She noted that many girls still drop out of school, numerous women entrepreneurs struggle to access funding, and women’s voices are still underrepresented in decision-making spaces.
Lordina Mahama also highlighted policy efforts aimed at addressing these challenges, including the Affirmative Action legislation and the proposed Women’s Development Bank, which she said will support thousands of female entrepreneurs across Ghana.
Reflecting on Ghana’s traditional systems of mutual support, she urged citizens to draw inspiration from practices such as “noboa” and “susu”, which have long helped communities support one another.
“Our mothers and grandmothers gave us rich traditions of communal support through ‘noboa’ and ‘susu’. We must channel that same spirit toward achieving true gender equality,” she said.
She concluded her message by urging Ghanaians to embrace the “Give to Gain” philosophy as the country works toward a more inclusive future.
“Give to Gain! God bless our homeland, Ghana!” she stated.
