8th National Women’s Summit & Expo 2026: Driving leadership, policy action, and financial inclusion

In celebration of International Women’s Day 2026, the 8th edition of the National Women’s Summit & Expo (NWSE) convened on Friday, 13th March, bringing together Ghana’s leading women policymakers, entrepreneurs, and industry experts for a day of dialogue, collaboration, and actionable insights.

Organised by Charterhouse Productions, the summit was supported by its partners: Lead Sponsor, Geisha; Strategic Partner, MTN Ghana; Supporting Sponsors, Standard Chartered Bank, Enterprise Life, BAYPORT Management, and PayAngel; as well as donors including Mnotify, Coca-Cola, Blue Skies, Kivo, the GC Brand, and GB Foods.

Hosted at The Palms Convention Centre, La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, Accra, the summit became a vibrant hub for connection, knowledge-sharing, and purpose-driven engagement, capturing the spirit of International Women’s Day and reaffirming the national commitment to women’s empowerment.

Affirmative Action Act: Progress and Next Steps

Becky Enyonam Ahadzi, Coordinator of the Affirmative Action Law Coalition, provided a comprehensive update on Ghana’s Affirmative Action Act, highlighting both progress and ongoing challenges.

Key highlights included:

Legislative Milestone: Passed on July 30, 2024, following decades of advocacy in partnership with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection

Targets for Representation: 30% by 2026, 35% by 2028, and 50% (full parity) by 2034

Implementation Progress: A Gender Equity Committee and Secretariat are operational, with the Legislative Instrument expected before Parliament

Tangible Results: Increased appointments of women in senior public service roles, including the Fire Service and Prison Service

Challenges: Representation in Parliament (14.85%) and local government (4.1%) remains low

Next Steps: Advocacy for gender-specific quotas within the constitutional review process

She noted that while the legal framework is now established, its success will depend on effective implementation and measurable impact.

A National Call to Action: Hon. Nana Oye Bampoe Addo

Delivering the keynote as Special Guest of Honour, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, Deputy Chief of Staff (Administration), anchored the summit in policy, progress, and national responsibility.

_“Countries that invest in women’s economic empowerment grow faster, innovate more, and build stronger societies.”_

She acknowledged Ghana’s progress, noting that women make up over 63% of the labour force and perform strongly across sectors, but emphasized that real impact lies in translating policy into opportunity.

_“Passing laws is important, but progress is measured by whether those laws change the lives of women and girls.”_

She highlighted the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act and the National Gender Policy (2025–2034) as critical frameworks, while stressing the need for accountability, enforcement, and expanded access.

Financing the Gender Agenda: A National Priority

Hon. Bampoe Addo emphasized the need for sustained investment:

_“If we are truly committed to advancing gender equality, investment in women’s empowerment must be treated as a national development priority.”_

She announced progress toward establishing the Women’s Development Bank, supported by GHS 401 million in the 2026 Budget, aimed at expanding access to capital for women-led businesses.

“Give to Gain”: Leadership, Mentorship, and Empowerment

The summit’s theme, “Give to Gain,” was reflected in the active exchange of ideas, mentorship, and opportunities throughout the day.

_“Mentorship is one of the most powerful ways in which we can give so that others may gain.”_

Theresa Oparebea Ayoade, CEO of Charterhouse Productions and Convenor of the summit, reinforced the pillars of Leadership, Empowerment, and Mentorship, calling on women to rise and create pathways for others.

Panel Discussion: Women, Money, and Power – Rethinking Financial Systems for Equity

The session was moderated by Edem Night-Tay of Joy Fm and featured a distinguished panel comprising Abena Buachiwaa Brigidi, CEO of Nimed Capital Limited; Pearl Esua-Mensah, Executive Director of the Ghana Climate Innovation Center; Joyce Esi Boakye, Head of Listing and New Products at the Ghana Stock Exchange; Jackie Benyi, Managing Director of Enterprise Life; Sandra Kumibea Mantey, Financial Controller at Bayport Savings and Loans; and Dr. Setor Quashigah, CEO of Standard Chartered Wealth Management Limited.

The panel explored mentorship, career growth, and financial inclusion, emphasizing how knowledge-sharing, resilience, and access to opportunity shape leadership journeys.

Panelists highlighted practical strategies for navigating financial systems, including strengthening governance, leveraging networks, protecting assets through insurance, and embracing continuous learning. Discussions also addressed barriers such as access to capital, structural biases, and the need for more inclusive financial systems.

The session reinforced that true financial empowerment requires not only access to resources, but also confidence, knowledge, and intentional system design.

A Moment Captured, A Movement Sustained

The 8th National Women’s Summit & Expo 2026 stands as both a celebration and a catalyst, bringing together voices, ideas, and action toward advancing women’s leadership and economic empowerment.

As momentum continues beyond March 13, the summit’s impact lives on in the connections made, the knowledge shared, and the opportunities created.

This is not just a moment remembered, it is a movement in motion.