Empowering women is nation-building – Frimpong-Manso Institute marks International Women’s Day

Frimpong-Manso Institute has called for stronger institutional commitment toward empowering women, stressing that supporting women’s advancement is crucial for sustainable national development.

In a message authored by a Fellow of the Frimpong-Manso Institute to mark the 2026 celebration of International Women’s Day, a renowned breast surgeon and health advocate, Dr. Beatrice Wiafe-Addai celebrated the resilience, courage, and leadership of women across Ghana, Africa, and the world.

“As we commemorate International Women’s Day 2026, we celebrate the courage, resilience, and transformative leadership of women across Ghana, Africa, and the world,” she stated.

Dr. Wiafe-Addai, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Peace and Love Hospitals and President and Founder of Breast Care International, noted that her professional experience has exposed her to the remarkable strength of women, especially during difficult moments.

“As a breast surgeon, I have seen the strength of women in their most vulnerable moments — fighting illness, protecting their families, and holding communities together,” she said, adding that women also play vital roles in shaping institutions and influencing policies.

However, she emphasized that celebrations must go beyond symbolic gestures and be accompanied by meaningful action to address the persistent challenges confronting women.

“International Women’s Day reminds us that empowering women is not charity; it is strategy. It is nation-building. It is sustainable development,” she stressed.

Dr. Wiafe-Addai further highlighted the critical role of the Frimpong-Manso Institute in promoting ethical leadership and national transformation. According to her, institutions like the institute must champion inclusive governance, gender-responsive policies, and amplify women’s voices in decision-making processes.

She urged fellows of the institute and leaders across sectors to demonstrate integrity, mentor emerging women leaders, and advocate policies that remove structural barriers hindering women’s advancement.

“True leadership at the FMI is not defined by title — it is defined by impact,” she noted.

The healthcare professional also raised concerns about ongoing inequalities affecting women and girls in the country, including preventable health challenges, school dropout risks among girls, and the underrepresentation of women in leadership and decision-making positions.

She therefore called for collective leadership and renewed commitment toward empowering women.

“When women rise, institutions are strengthened. When women are healthy, nations are productive. When women lead with integrity, societies prosper,” she said.

Dr. Wiafe-Addai concluded with a call for intentional mentorship, stronger support systems for women, and sustained investment in women’s health and education.

“When you empower a woman, you strengthen a family. When you educate a girl, you secure a nation’s future. When you invest in women’s health, you preserve generations,” she stated.

The statement was issued by the Frimpong-Manso Institute and signed by its President, Rev. Prof. Paul Frimpong-Manso.

“Happy International Women’s Day 2026. Let us lead. Let us uplift. Let us transform — together,” the statement concluded.