In commemorating this year’s International Women’s Day, Kumasi Technical University (KsTU) played host to a vibrant and empowering event organised by the Women in Technology and Development (WITED), in collaboration with a policy, research and advocacy organisation called Send Ghana. The event which was held under the theme "A Fusion of Artivism and Music on Advancing Gender Equality in Achieving SDG 5 in Developing Economies," brought together diverse stakeholders to discuss and deliberate upon issues pertaining to women's rights and opportunities.
The programme commenced with a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Emmanuel Ayifah, the Deputy Country Director of SEND-Ghana, which emphasised the importance of equitable access to opportunities for both men and women. The key players engaged in discussions highlighted the necessity for the government to consider providing free sanitary pads to young school girls, a crucial step towards ensuring equal access to education.
Dr. Timothy Crentsil, Head of the Fashion and Textiles Department at KsTU, challenged the existing traditional gender norms, emphasising that skill acquisition knows no gender boundaries. He stressed the importance of fostering an environment where women are encouraged to pursue their intellectual and innovative endeavours.
The event also saw calls from various speakers for the implementation of policies and programmes aimed at creating equal opportunities for women in Ghana. Dr. Mrs. Nana Esi Amos-Abanyie, the Chief Executive Officer of Silver Lobster Hospitality and Management Service appealed to the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) to allocate resources for the provision of sanitary pads to female students. She said, with that the country will be addressing a critical need in ensuring girls' uninterrupted access to education.
Professor Mina Ofosu, the Vice Dean of Students at KsTU urged women to embrace independence and resilience in the face of challenges, emphasising the importance of self-reliance and empowerment. She cautioned against the portrayal of women as mere objects in music videos. She indicated that instead, women should be portrayed as a special group that symbolises strength and capability.
Dr. Patricia Owusu-Darko, President of WITED-KsTU, called upon the younger generation to seize the opportunities presented by the existing favourable education policies to empower themselves.
The event which took place on March 8th, also featured artistic performances including poetry recitals and music, showcasing the talent and strength of women. Hosted by KsTU in partnership with SEND-Ghana and I Believe Global, the celebration served as a platform to honour the invaluable contributions of women and girls to society.
International Women's Day serves as an annual reminder to recognize and celebrate the achievements of women worldwide and also, advocating for gender equality and women's rights.
