International Women's Day (IWD) 2026 was marked by a series of impactful initiatives and strong calls to action across various sectors, all echoing the global campaign theme "Give to Gain." These efforts highlighted a collective commitment to empowering women and girls, recognizing that investments in their growth and opportunities ultimately benefit entire nations and communities.

One prominent event was an industry engagement hosted by Karpowership Ghana in partnership with the School of Engineering Sciences at the University of Ghana. This initiative aimed to equip female engineering students with the essential skills, confidence, and exposure required to pursue successful careers in engineering and the broader energy sector. Operating under Karpowership Ghana’s theme “Empowering Women, Powering Lives,” the event offered mentorship sessions, insightful career conversations, and practical training designed to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world industry practice.

Harriette Amissah-Arthur, Executive Partner at Arthur Energy Advisors, delivered a compelling keynote address titled “Breaking Barriers, Building Impact: Thriving as a Woman in Engineering.” She encouraged students to relentlessly pursue excellence, emphasizing the critical role of confidence, thorough preparation, resilience, technical competence, continuous learning, and robust professional networks in overcoming the unique challenges women often encounter in engineering. Ms. Amissah-Arthur acknowledged global progress but underscored the persistent underrepresentation of women in many technical and leadership roles within STEM fields, stating, “Engineering is not just a profession; it is nation-building. When women make an impact in engineering, entire systems become stronger.” She lauded Karpowership Ghana’s efforts in connecting students with industry professionals, noting that such mentorship and exposure initiatives are vital for strengthening the future engineering workforce and align perfectly with the "Give to Gain" theme.

A subsequent panel discussion delved into practical strategies for navigating engineering careers and overcoming prevalent barriers. Panellists stressed the importance of personal agency, seeking mentorship, and self-development as crucial complements to policies promoting gender equality. Students were encouraged to cultivate self-confidence, establish professional boundaries, and develop a range of complementary skills beyond technical expertise, including effective communication and financial literacy, to foster holistic professional growth. The programme also incorporated hands-on training focused on personal branding and financial literacy, guiding young women on how to strategically leverage social media for professional development and to position themselves for career opportunities, alongside practical knowledge in personal financial management, savings, and long-term financial stability.

High-profile attendees underscored the significance of the event. John Dumelo, Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon and Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, praised Karpowership Ghana for creating a platform that exposed young women to invaluable real-world engineering and leadership experiences. He also reiterated his commitment to supporting the continued growth of the School of Engineering Sciences, challenging students to aim high and excel, and expressing a hopeful vision for a future female top graduating engineering student. Prof. Elsie Effah Kaufmann, Dean of the School of Engineering Sciences, hailed the engagement as a commendable example of successful industry-academia collaboration, essential for encouraging women to persist in engineering and technology fields where they remain underrepresented. Sandra Amarquaye, Communications Manager of Karpowership Ghana, highlighted the company's proactive stance on gender inclusion, citing initiatives like an all-female internship program, scholarship support, and practical industry exposure as integral to creating pathways for young women in engineering and the energy sector. Jessica Tetteh-Coffie, President of Women in Engineering at the University of Ghana, found the engagement inspiring and practical, motivating her intentional preparation for post-university life. The engagement firmly aligned with Karpowership Ghana’s broader commitment to advancing gender equality, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5.

The national conversation around IWD 2026 was further amplified by President John Dramani Mahama, who issued a call for a stronger national commitment to empowering women and girls. Emphasizing the "Give to Gain" theme, President Mahama stated that "When we give opportunities, resources, and unwavering support to our women, we gain as a country." He highlighted that women's empowerment catalyzes broader social and economic transformation, strengthening entire families and communities. The President urged all stakeholders to collaboratively dismantle obstacles hindering the progress of women and girls, renewing a collective commitment to gender equality and ensuring every Ghanaian woman and girl can achieve her full potential, thereby multiplying prosperity for the entire nation.

Beyond Ghana, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA, Merck Foundation, reaffirmed its decade-long commitment to empowering women and girls through extensive development programs spanning Africa and Asia. CEO Rasha Kelej articulated that empowering women is central to Merck Foundation’s mission, driving long-term transformative initiatives. Flagship programs include the "More Than a Mother" campaign, which tackles infertility stigma by providing information, healthcare, and education to infertile and childless women. The Foundation has also awarded over 2,500 scholarships to healthcare providers from 52 countries across 44 critical medical specialties, with nearly half benefiting women medical graduates. Over 770 scholarships have been specifically dedicated to advancing women’s health, including reproductive and fertility care. Furthermore, initiatives like "EducatingLinda" provide over 1,200 annual scholarships to underprivileged schoolgirls in 19 African countries, fostering their education and ambitions. Merck Foundation actively promotes women’s participation in science and research through STEM initiatives and the annual Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit awards, collaborating with various ministries to raise awareness on critical issues such as gender-based violence, child marriage, female genital mutilation, and girl-child education, employing creative advocacy methods like songs, films, and storybooks.

In a tangible demonstration of corporate social responsibility in Ghana, Softcare FM Manufacturing Company actively contributed to advancing women's dignity and access to menstrual hygiene. Leading up to IWD 2026, Softcare distributed sanitary products to students at Keneshie North Cable & Wireless JHS in Accra and U-15 girls participating in a regional league in the Ashanti Region. As a prominent player in Ghana’s household and personal care market, Softcare maintains a leading position in the sanitary products segment, offering quality and affordable sanitary pads, baby diapers, and wet wipes. Since 2025, the company has partnered with the Government’s Free Sanitary Pad Programme, targeting over two million schoolgirls nationwide to combat period poverty and ensure uninterrupted education. Softcare’s commitment to CSR extends to supporting schools, hospitals, and vulnerable communities. Its industrial excellence has garnered significant accolades, including being named the 2025 Overall Best Industrial Company and Best Corporate Social Responsibility Organisation at the AGI Industry and Quality Awards. In 2024, Frost & Sullivan ranked Softcare first in Africa for sales volume in both baby diaper and sanitary pad segments. High-level visits from the Women’s Caucus of Parliament, Ministries of Trade and Education, and the Presidency have acknowledged Softcare’s contributions. Vice-President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang commissioned a new sanitary pad production line in December 2025, recognizing Softcare as a high-potential sector under Ghana’s Accelerated Export Development Programme. In February 2026, Minister for Education Haruna Iddrisu reaffirmed the ministry’s partnership with Softcare for free sanitary pad distribution, emphasizing the link between menstrual health and educational attainment. Softcare, a member of the National Technical Committee on Medical Devices, plans to expand its outreach and operational capacity, aiming to consolidate its leadership in the African market while aligning with Ghana’s industrial development agenda, steadfastly providing affordable sanitary products and quality diapers to contribute to the nation’s transformation.