International Women's Day Commemoration: 8th March 2026

Placard walk with brass band through the Lower Dixcove Community, Western Region.

Cewefia commemorated International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026 on 12th March 2026 at the Community Center in Lower Discove, bringing together community members, government representatives, traditional authorities, and key stakeholders to celebrate and promote women’s empowerment within coastal communities.

International Women’s Day is globally recognized as a moment to celebrate the achievements of women while advocating for gender equality and the protection of women’s rights. In coastal communities, women play a vital role in the fisheries value chain, particularly in fish processing, marketing, and household livelihood support. However, they often face challenges such as limited access to resources, decision-making spaces, and economic opportunities. Cewefia continues to work with partners to address these gaps and strengthen the capacity and leadership of women in fisheries and community development.

The celebration began with a placard walk through the Lower Discove community, accompanied by a vibrant brass band, drawing the attention of residents and creating awareness about women’s rights and empowerment. The walk symbolized solidarity and collective commitment to promoting gender equality and recognizing the contributions of women in society.

Mad. Josephine Opare Addo, Project Manager & Gender Inclusion Officer of Cewefia, reading Cewefia's speech on behalf of the Executive Director at the International Women's Day Commemoration

Following the walk, the program continued at the community center with welcome remarks from Cewefia, highlighting the organization’s ongoing efforts to empower women in the fisheries sector through capacity building, advocacy, and community engagement.

Key speeches were delivered by the Executive Director of CEWEFIA, the Western Regional Director of the Department of Gender, and the Western Regional Director of the Fisheries Commission of Ghana. Their remarks emphasized the importance of strengthening women’s participation in decision-making processes, promoting gender equality in fisheries governance, and supporting initiatives that improve the livelihoods of women in coastal communities.

Regional Director, Department of Gender, Maribel Akuorkor Okine, delivering her speech on the year's theme "Rights. Justice. Action. For all women and girls" and the global campaign "Give to Gain."

Solidarity messages were also shared by representatives from partner institutions and the Traditional Authority, all reiterating the need for collaborative efforts to advance women’s empowerment and ensure inclusive and sustainable development within fishing communities.

The 2026 International Women’s Day celebration was held under the global theme “Rights, Justice, and Action for All Women and Girls,” with the global campaign “Give to Gain.” The theme highlights the importance of investing in women and girls, recognizing their rights, and taking deliberate actions that create opportunities for them to thrive. When communities invest in women, the benefits extend beyond individuals to families, communities, and the nation as a whole.

The event concluded with networking and refreshments, providing participants with the opportunity to engage with one another, exchange ideas, and strengthen partnerships that support women’s empowerment in the fisheries sector.

Cross-sectional picture of community members at the commemoration of International Women's Day at Lower Dixcove.

This year’s commemoration was organized under the Gender Responsive Conservation Project, funded by the Government of Norway and supported by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Through this project, Cewefia continues to promote gender-responsive approaches to marine conservation while ensuring that women in coastal communities are empowered to participate meaningfully in sustainable fisheries management.