News
IWD 2025: Accelerating Action for Equality, Leadership for Women in Tourism
As we commemorate International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025 under the theme: ‘Accelerate Action,’ it is an opportune moment to reflect on the strides we have made towards gender equality in Ghana’s tourism sector while recognising the work still ahead.
Women have long been the backbone of our tourism industry, yet for years, many of them operated in the shadows, their contributions undervalued.
Today, that narrative is changing, but we must hasten our efforts to ensure greater representation of women at the decision-making table and in all aspects of economic empowerment.
The tourism landscape in Ghana is remarkably shaped by women. A sizable number of tour operators are women-led, and I am proud to note that the Executive Council of the Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA) comprises more women than ever before.
This is a testament to the strength, resilience and business acumen of Ghanaian women, who continue to drive innovation and growth in the sector.
At the public leadership level, Ghana has made historic progress by swearing in its first female Vice President, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku- Agyemang. Her presence at the highest levels of governance signals a shift towards greater inclusion and presents a beacon of hope for women aspiring to occupy leadership positions.
Additionally, the appointment of Ms Dzifa Gomashie as the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, alongside Mrs Maame Efua Houadjeto as the new CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, reinforces the growing influence of women in the sector.
Their leadership will undoubtedly shape policies that create more opportunities for women in tourism.
However, these milestones must not be the end of our journey toward gender equality but rather fuel our determination to accelerate progress. Women form a significant portion of Ghana’s tourism workforce, from tour operators to hospitality managers, artisans, and cultural entrepreneurs.
Yet, when it comes to key decision-making roles, the numbers remain discouraging. Women must not only be participants in the industry but must also have a voice in shaping its policies, investments and strategic direction.
The theme: ‘Accelerate Action’ calls for more than just recognition; it demands tangible steps toward empowering women in every endeavour, including tourism.
Addressing Key Challenges
Access to Capital: One of the most significant barriers facing women in tourism is limited access to capital. Many women-led businesses struggle to secure funding due to systemic biases in financial institutions.
We must push for gender-inclusive financial policies, create dedicated funding schemes for women entrepreneurs and ensure that women in tourism have the necessary resources to expand their businesses.
Closing the Pay Gap: Despite the increasing presence of women in the tourism workforce, wage disparities remain a pressing issue.
Women often earn significantly less than their male counterparts, even in leadership roles.
Addressing this imbalance requires comprehensive wage transparency policies, equitable salary structures and ongoing monitoring to ensure fair compensation for all.
Training and Capacity Building: Providing women with access to skills training, mentorship, and leadership development programmes is crucial in empowering them to take on decision-making roles.
Investment in educational initiatives tailored to women in tourism will equip them with the tools needed to succeed in a competitive industry.
Representation in Decision-Making: Having more women in leadership positions is essential for shaping policies that are inclusive and beneficial for all.
We must advocate for gender-balanced representation in industry associations, government bodies and corporate boards.
Women’s voices must be heard at every level where tourism policies and strategies are determined.
Workplace Equity and Safety: Ensuring safe and equitable workplaces for women in tourism is non-negotiable.
This includes implementing workplace policies that prevent harassment, creating family-friendly work environments and offering flexible work arrangements that support work-life balance.
A Call to Action
On this International Women’s Day, I urge all stakeholders—government, private sector players and industry leaders—to commit to actionable change.
Let us work together to create an inclusive tourism industry where women are not just contributors but decision-makers. The time for passive advocacy is over; the time to accelerate action is now.
We need clear policies, measurable goals and firm commitments to break down barriers and build a tourism sector where every woman has the opportunity to thrive.
Together, we can accelerate action for gender equality and ensure that Ghana’s tourism industry becomes a model of inclusivity and empowerment. Happy International Women’s Day to us all!
The writer is the President of the Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA).
By Mrs Alisa Osei-Asamoah
News
Govt urged to provide safe, supportive environment for menstruating girls
The government has been urged to take urgent steps toward providing a safe and supportive environment for menstruating girls to ensure proper personal hygiene and promote school attendance.
Sarah Nkansah Boateng, a midwife at the Eastern Regional Hospital made the call during a forum organised as part of activities to observe Menstrual Hygiene Day celebration in the New Juaben North Municipality of the Eastern Region.
The event was held under the theme “Together for a Period-Friendly World.”
She noted that many girls skip school during their menstrual periods due to a lack of access to sanitary products and appropriate spaces to change them.
“The basic necessities for these girls are not being provided; creating a safe and enabling environment is crucial,” Madam Boateng emphasized.
She called on school authorities and policymakers to prioritise the construction of hygienic and private changing spaces in schools.
She further appealed for a collective effort to address menstrual health challenges affecting girls in the community.
The New Juaben North Municipal Director of Health Services, Nana Yaa Konadu, also highlighted her office’s initiatives in both school-based and community clinics to educate young girls on menstrual hygiene.
She stressed the health implications of poor menstrual hygiene, saying, “When girls lack access to sanitary pads and a clean environment, it can negatively impact their reproductive health.”
Madam Konadu warned that the absence of menstrual hygiene facilities and products left some girls vulnerable to exploitation, increasing the risk of teenage pregnancy.
The Municipal Chief Executive for New Juaben North, Mr Samuel Adongo, described menstruation as a natural biological process and not a taboo or burden.
He expressed concern over the poor state of sanitation facilities in schools.
“I have visited almost all public schools in the municipality, and none has a proper, standard toilet facility suitable for girls,” he stated.
Mr Adongo assured that the assembly would work to create an enabling environment to reduce school absenteeism related to menstruation.
“Too many girls are missing school because of their menstrual cycle, and this is unacceptable,” he added.
From Ama Tekyiwaa Ampadu Agyeman, Koforidua
News
Akwesi Agyeman, Ekpe vow to lead GJA to ‘era of purpose and professionalism’
As the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) prepares for its national elections, two of the key contenders, General Secretary Aspirant Akwasi Agyeman and Vice Presidential hopeful Rebecca Ekpe have called for a return to ethical journalism, stronger mentorship and institutional reforms.
They both made the remarks during separate visits to The Spectator and The Ghanaian Times, respectively to solicit for votes.
Akwasi Agyeman, an Editor with Multimedia is seeking to lead the association into what he calls a “new era of purpose and professionalism.”
He stressed the urgent need to reposition the GJA as a strong and relevant voice in national affairs.
“We cannot continue with business as usual. The GJA must be visible, active, and fearless in advocating for the rights and welfare of journalists,” he said during a meeting with media practitioners in Accra.
Mr. Agyeman noted that his leadership will focus on building partnerships, improving member services, and restoring the dignity of the Association. “We need to rekindle the spirit of solidarity within the GJA and provide real value to members, especially the younger generation,” he added.
Ms Rebecca Ekpe, a respected Broadcast Journalist and Editor, echoed similar sentiments in her call for mentorship and capacity building.
“I discovered through my journey that journalism is not just my job, it is who I am. My path in journalism was shaped by my seniors in the newsroom, and now I feel called to give back,” she said.
Ms Ekpe envisions a GJA where senior journalists regularly engage with young professionals through face-to-face mentoring and training platforms. “Even if you attend a session and pick just one idea, it could change the course of your career,” she remarked.
She also raised concerns about the rise of misinformation and the blurred lines between journalism and social media content creation. “People sit online insulting others and call themselves journalists. When they are attacked, GJA defends them, but we must ask: are they truly journalists? We must protect the integrity of our profession,” she stressed.
The Editor of The Spectator, Mrs Georgina N.M Quaittoo wished them well in their campaigns and quest to serve the GJA.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
