On March 8, 2025, as part of International Women’s Day celebrations under the theme "Accelerate Action," the Student Representatives Council and the Law Students Union of King’s University College hosted a Legal Fair Summit. One of the keynote speakers, Mr. Mawuli Avutor, Chief Investigator of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) in Ghana, delivered a compelling address on “An Empowered Woman: An Agent for Positive Change.”
Women as Catalysts for Societal Growth
Mr. Avutor opened his speech by echoing the powerful words of Ghanaian missionary and educator, Dr. James Emmanuel Kwegyir Aggrey: “If you educate a man, you educate an individual, but if you educate a woman, you educate a nation or multitude.” He stressed that women, as social capital, possess the ability to drive positive transformations within their families and the larger society when given the right opportunities.
Despite their significant potential, women continue to face systemic inequalities, he noted. These include limited access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, as well as restrictive cultural norms that limit autonomy and decision-making. Women also endure various forms of violence and discrimination while lacking adequate representation in leadership and governance.
Breaking Barriers through Empowerment
Addressing these injustices requires a conscious and collective effort to empower women in all spheres of life. Mr. Avutor highlighted that women’s empowerment is not merely about gender equity but about unlocking the full potential of societies. He outlined five key dimensions of empowerment:
• Social Empowerment – Ensuring women have equal say in issues regarding their health, family, and general well-being.
• Economic Empowerment – Granting women access to economic resources and opportunities to achieve financial independence.
• Educational Empowerment – Providing equal access to education, allowing women to acquire skills and contribute meaningfully to national development.
• Political Empowerment – Encouraging women’s participation in governance to influence decision-making and policy direction.
• Psychological Empowerment – Creating support systems that enable women to overcome fear, threats, and vulnerabilities.
The Role of Women in Sustainable Development
Mr. Avutor emphasized that women’s empowerment is a fundamental pillar of sustainable development. He pointed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5, which calls for “Achieving Gender Equality and Empowering All Women and Girls.” He highlighted how empowered women contribute to society by:
• Educating their children and ensuring access to quality healthcare and opportunities.
• Driving economic growth through entrepreneurship and innovation.
• Advocating for policies that promote gender equality and social justice.
• Challenging discriminatory cultural norms.
• Mentoring and inspiring other women to break barriers.
Ghana’s Commitment to Gender Equality
Ghana has taken significant strides in addressing gender disparities, Mr. Avutor noted. The passage of the Affirmative Action Act is a major milestone in the country’s efforts to promote gender equality. The law aims to dismantle systemic barriers and ensure equal opportunities for women in political, economic, educational, and social spheres.
A Call to Action
Concluding his address, Mr. Avutor called on society to recognize women’s fundamental human rights and provide them with the support they need to thrive. He urged stakeholders—including government, civil society, and individuals—to accelerate efforts in empowering women, emphasizing that gender equality is not just a women’s issue but a shared responsibility.
Quoting former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, he reminded the audience: “Promoting gender equality is not only women’s responsibility – it’s the responsibility of all of us.”
With such powerful words, Mr. Mawuli Avutor reinforced the urgent need for collective action to empower women and, in doing so, build a stronger, more inclusive society.