A Breakfast Conversation About Women’s Progress
Ahead of the 2026 International Women’s Day which fell on March 8, 2026, women across sectors gathered in Accra for a breakfast meeting organised by the Women in Aviation group and the Ladies Club of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL).
The meeting was more than a celebration. It was a practical conversation about what women must give to themselves and to others to truly gain progress.
Opening the event, Managing Director of GACL, Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, said the year’s theme “Give to Gain” captures an important reality: empowering women produces benefits that extend beyond individuals.
“When we invest in women,” she said, “we unlock a ripple effect of progress that benefits families, organisations and society as a whole.”
The GACL MD urged the participants to recommit themselves to creating opportunities, addressing inequalities and fostering inclusive environments within their spheres of influence as the world marked International Women’s Day 2026. She noted that collective efforts were needed to drive change, champion women’s empowerment and build a brighter future for all.
The event also brought together experts in finance and medicine, ensuring that discussions around empowerment included economic independence and personal health.
Giving Creates Progress
Delivering the keynote address, Ghana’s Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture and Member of Parliament for the Shama Constituency, Emelia Arthur, reminded participants that every milestone women celebrate today is the result of someone choosing to give.
“Every gain we celebrate today exists because someone somewhere gave their time, knowledge, mentorship, courage or opportunity,” she said.
She described International Women’s Day as more than a celebration, calling it a global platform that continues to highlight persistent gender gaps in leadership, pay and representation.
Madam Arthur noted that both aviation and fisheries industries which are critical to Ghana’s economy share a similar history: women contribute immensely but often remain under-recognised.
In Ghana’s fisheries sector for instance, women dominate fish processing and trading, yet their roles have historically received limited recognition. Her ministry is working to change that through gender-focused policies, new technologies and training programmes that allow women to participate fully in decision-making.
The results, she noted, are clear: when women are empowered, communities prosper and industries grow stronger.
Building Wealth: Practical Financial Lessons
Beyond policy discussions, the event also focused on practical tools women need to thrive.
Ama Bawuah, Board Chairperson of Access Bank Ghana, offered participants guidance on financial discipline and long-term planning.
She encouraged women to cultivate strong saving habits, invest wisely and plan ahead for unexpected challenges.
Her message was straightforward: financial independence gives women greater control over their choices and futures. Saving consistently and investing responsibly, she said, can help women build resilience and security not just for themselves but also for their families.
Health Is the Foundation
The conversation also turned to health, an issue speakers said women often neglect while balancing careers, families and leadership roles.
Diana Afeng-Nkansah, a Family Physician Consultant and Diabetes Specialist at the 37 Military Hospital, emphasised the importance of healthy eating habits.
She urged participants to focus on food quality rather than sheer quantity, explaining that balanced diets and mindful eating play a critical role in preventing lifestyle diseases such as diabetes.
Maintaining good health, she said, is essential for productivity, longevity and overall well-being.
Understanding Women’s Health
Adding to the medical discussion, Heindel Senaya, an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist also from the 37 Military Hospital, addressed an issue many women face but rarely openly discuss menopause.
He explained how menopause affects women physically and emotionally and encouraged participants to seek medical guidance and support rather than suffer in silence.
His presentation aimed to demystify the condition and remind women that understanding their bodies is an important part of maintaining long-term health.
The Mentorship Multiplier
Across all the discussions from policy to finance and health, one message stood out: women rise faster when they support one another.
Minister Arthur encouraged leaders to mentor younger women entering their professions, stressing that every successful woman likely had someone who opened a door or offered guidance.
“When one woman rises,” she said, “she creates a pathway for many others.”
A Call to Give
By the close of the breakfast meeting, participants were reminded that empowerment begins with intentional action.
The challenge, speakers said, is simple but powerful:
- Give opportunities
- Give knowledge
- Give support
If those commitments continue, the gains will stretch far beyond the room—strengthening institutions, industries and communities across Ghana.
In the spirit of “Give to Gain,” the message was clear: when women invest in each other, everyone benefits.
