IWD 2025 Calls for Bold Actions Towards Gender Equality
The Ladies in Mining and Allied Professions (LiMAP) Ghana, in partnership with the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) and the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, marked the 2025 International Women’s Day with an event held on Friday, 7th March 2025. The celebration, themed “Accelerate Action: Personal and Collective Responsibility,” brought together stakeholders from academia, industry, and traditional representatives to reflect on the progress of women and the need for sustained efforts towards gender equality.
The event was chaired by Professor Michael Affam, Dean, Office of Research, Innovation, and Consultancy, UMaT, He represented the Vice Chancellor. Professor Affam highlighted the significance of celebrating women as indispensable contributors to societal development. He emphasised that the theme for 2025 resonates deeply in the global pursuit of gender equality and urged society to take deliberate steps to ensure women receive their fair share of opportunities. “International Women’s Day is not just a celebration but a call to action to recognise and promote the achievements of women while fostering a more equitable future for all,” he stated.
The Guest Speaker for the event, and Paramount Queen Mother of the Wassa Fiase Traditional Area, Nana Kunadjoa II, called on women to translate the lessons of International Women’s Day into tangible actions in their daily lives. She commended non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality for their efforts at reducing teenage pregnancy rates and urged parents to take an active role in nurturing their children. She also stressed that parents, especially mothers should raise both boys and girls with strong moral values and provide them with equal opportunities to ensure a balance and progressive society.
President of LiMAP and General Manager of Gold Fields Ghana Dr. (Mrs.) Catherine Kuupol-Kuutor, emphasised the importance of collective progress and individual empowerment for women. She challenged women to defy societal and corporate barriers by embracing personal growth and supporting one another. She added that accelerating progress requires more than just words but concrete actions, mutual support, and a shared vision of equality.
Dr. Kuupol-Kuutor also reflected on the historical significance of International Women’s Day, which has been observed globally since 1977. She described the day as an opportunity to celebrate the strides made by women while renewing commitments to achieving gender parity. She further stated that the day is a reminder to women of the power of unity.
The founder of LiMAP and Pro Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor (Mrs.) Grace Ofori-Sarpong Akuffo, inspired the audience with a message of hope and resilience. She encouraged the youth to embrace opportunities of the modern era, noting that the future holds immense potential for those willing to seize it. She stated that the transformative power of technology is reshaping the world, and it is imperative for women to stay abreast of technological trends to remain relevant and competitive in the society. She stressed the importance of women supporting one another and leveraging technology for personal and professional growth.
The celebration was climaxed with a panel discussion on personal and collective responsibility in accelerating gender equality, women’s rights, and empowerment.
The discussion brought together distinguished personalities from academia, religious leadership, local governance, and industry. Among the panelists were Associate Professor (Mrs.) Patricia Beatrice Mireku-Gyimah, Associate Professor at the Technical Communication Department of the University. Lady Reverend Barbara Azanu, Head Pastor of Makarios Church Tamso, Nana Ama Asekyi, Queen Mother of the Cyanide community in Tarkwa. Ms. Peace Sitsofe Kploanyi, Assistant Registrar at UMaT’s Counselling and Student Support Unit, UMaT, Ms. Sandra Deladem Woanyah, Project Manager, Gold Fields Ghana Foundation and Ms. NancyPearl Annor, Treasurer of LiMAP were also part of the panellists. They shared insights on the significance of gender inclusivity and the role of individuals and institutions in driving meaningful change.
The programme was well-attended by Queen Mothers of the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality, women representatives from various institutions including the Ghana Fire Service and Ghana Prisons Service, students of basic and secondary schools in the Municipality, staff and students of the University.
