International Women’s Day: Hon. Helen Ntoso calls for increased government funding to advance gender equality

The Chairperson of Parliament’s Gender and Children Committee and Member of Parliament for Krachi West, Hon. Helen Adjoa Ntoso, has issued a passionate appeal to government and national stakeholders to significantly increase financial support for gender-based initiatives across Ghana.

Delivering a statement on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, March 5, 2026, to mark International Women’s Day (IWD), Hon. Ntoso rallied lawmakers around this year’s global theme: “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.”

While acknowledging Ghana’s notable progress toward inclusivity, the MP cautioned that the nation risks falling short of critical United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly those targeting education, equality, and justice—without sustained and deliberate investment.

“Women constitute a significant proportion of our population and play indispensable roles in our homes, communities, public service, agriculture, business, academia, and governance,” Hon. Ntoso stated, emphasizing that Ghanaian women form a vital pillar of the national economy.

She commended Parliament for enacting landmark legislation, including the Domestic Violence Act and the transformative Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act 2024 (Act 1121). However, she stressed that legislation alone is insufficient without robust implementation and accountability.

“Gender equity is not a women’s issue alone; it is a national development imperative,” Hon. Ntoso argued. “When women are educated, families thrive. When women have access to economic opportunities, poverty declines. When women participate meaningfully in decision-making, governance becomes more inclusive and responsive.”

The MP called on the House to champion three bold actions:

1. Legislative reforms to strengthen laws protecting women’s rights and address systemic inequalities.
2. Prioritizing funding for programmes that combat gender-based violence, enhance girls’ education, and support female entrepreneurs.
3. Ensuring accountability by holding institutions responsible for implementing inclusive policies and practices.

In a stirring moment during her address, Hon. Ntoso celebrated the resilience of women in public office and spotlighted a historic achievement for Ghanaian women in academia. She paid special tribute to Dr. Mrs. Clara Kowlaga Beeri Kasser-Tee, who on February 10, 2026, became the first woman to graduate with a PhD in Law from the University of Ghana School of Law since its establishment in 1948.

Dr. Kasser-Tee, a native of Manyoro in the Kasena-Nankana District of the Upper East Region, graduated at the top of her class and received the prestigious Mensah Sarbah Award. Hon. Ntoso described her as a living embodiment of this year’s IWD theme, proving that breaking barriers is possible when rights and justice are pursued with determination.

“Her achievement isn’t just a personal win; it marks significant progress in our fight for rights, justice, and action,” the MP said. “Her story proves what can happen when barriers are broken down.”

Contributing to the statement, other Members of Parliament echoed the call for deliberate policies to mainstream gender issues and boost women’s participation in decision-making at all levels.

Hon. Ntoso concluded with an urgent appeal to her colleagues and the nation: “Let us turn rights into reality, justice into action for all women and girls.”