UE/R: LEADERSHIP AND WOMEN OF UNIONIZED GROUPS CELEBRATED IWD 2025

BY: GIDEON K. ADU

International Women’s Day (IWD), celebrated annually on March 8, is a global day recognizing the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women while advocating for gender equality. The day is to celebrate progress, raise awareness of ongoing challenges, and drive action toward a more inclusive world.

This year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) was celebrated in the Health Services Workers Union Conference Hall in Bolagatanga with the theme: “For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment: The Role of the Trade Union” by the Upper East Region of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) Secretariat.

In an opening Address, Sister Scholastica Dery, Regional Secretary (TUC) highlighted the vital and interconnected responsibilities of gender equality and good work.

In her background, she explained that March 8th is the annual day for the celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD). It is a worldwide celebration of women’s accomplishments in politics, the economy, culture, and society. Additionally, the day serves as a call to action to accelerate gender parity.

She further said International Women’s Day has been increasingly significant over time, serving as a focal point to increase support for women’s rights and social inclusion. Today, it is commemorated all around the world with activities that emphasize the accomplishments and struggles of women everywhere, including political rallies, business conferences, government events, and artistic performances, she added”.

On the Theme  “For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment: The Role of the Trade Union. She said the journey towards gender equality has been a long and challenging one, marked by significant milestones and achievements, but also persistent barriers and obstacles. She further added that the Upper East Region are here to celebrate the progress that have been made, to acknowledge the challenges that remain, and to reaffirm their commitment to creating a world where every woman has the opportunity to thrive, free from discrimination and inequality.  She encourages all participant to use this platform to share ideas, exchange experiences, and build a stronger, united front in the pursuit of gender equality. Together, we can create lasting change and pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for all women, she said”.

In his remarks, TUC Regional Chairperson Bro. Moses Awarikaro recognized and affirmed that women are the stronger force capable of bringing about meaningful change in all fields and workplaces. He strongly advocated for women to speak up and to always be brave in all that they do. He went on to say that women should take advantage of the way technology is developing, equip themselves, and continue to develop a strong network that allows them to communicate.

A gender Activist Sister Doris Asoalla, Regional Women Chairperson of TUC in the upper East Region Delivered a presentation on the theme: For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment: The Role of the Trade Union.

The definition of rights, equality for women and girls, and empowerment for women and girls were the first things she covered.

According to her, legal protections, access to healthcare, and education are all part of women’s and girls’ rights. Secondly, women must be granted social equality, political participation, and economic opportunities in order to achieve equality for women and girls.

She went on to discuss the celebration’s historical background, stating that the fight for women’s equality and rights has been a protracted and very challenging one. Women have consistently questioned social norms and battled for their proper position in society, starting with the early 20th century and continuing with the current struggle for equal representation and compensation. As advocates for improved working conditions, equitable pay, and equal opportunity for women in the workforce, trade unions have played a crucial role in this process.

She reiterated the role that trade unions play in empowering men and fighting for women’s rights. According to her, trade unions have a special role in the struggle for the empowerment and rights of women. They act as a unified voice for employees, defending their rights and pushing for equitable treatment.

IROs and representatives from the various Union graced the celebration. These included the following: General Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU), Public Services Workers Union (PSWU), Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU), General Government Service Workers Union (LGSWU), Health Services Workers Union (HSWU), Public Utility Workers Union (PUWU), Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), Union of Professional Nurses and Midwives (UPNMC), and Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU).