Ho Technical University (HTU) on Thursday, March 5, 2026, commemorated International Women’s Day with a strong call for women to move beyond access to opportunities and translate them into measurable societal impact.
The event was organised by the University’s Gender Affairs and Social Inclusion Office under the theme “Balancing the Scales – From Access to Impact.” It brought together management, faculty, staff, students, and partners committed to advancing gender equality ahead of the annual commemoration on March 8.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Ing. Hamidatu Saaka Darimani, Vice-Chancellor of Dr. Hilla Limann Technical University, Wa, set the tone for the celebration with a stirring call for women to move beyond access to opportunities and strive for measurable impact in society.
She explained that while access to education, professions, and leadership spaces has expanded over the years, it is not enough to simply enter those doors. Women, she said, must shape what happens inside, ensuring that opportunities translate into influence, innovation, and transformation.
“There’s no force more powerful than a woman determined to succeed,” Prof. Ing. Darimani declared, urging women to combine confidence with courage to venture into all fields, including those traditionally dominated by men.
Reflecting on her personal journey in academia and leadership, she noted that access was once the finish line for generations of women who fought tirelessly for education and recognition. Today, however, access must be seen as the starting point. She challenged women to balance the scales by moving from participation to impact, stressing that progress must be measured not by titles or salaries but by the ability to drive change and shape outcomes.
Prof. Ing. Darimani highlighted the achievements of trailblazing women such as Vice President, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang and former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who moved beyond participation to transform societies. She urged stakeholders to intentionally create systems that empower women through mentorship, collaboration, and leadership opportunities.
She concluded with a call to action: “Let us build a world where every door opened leads to progress, and every person who walks through rises. Access is no longer the finish line – it is the starting point. Let us balance the scale and move from access to impact.”
Madam Lorlornyo Letsa, Lecturer in the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management and Chairperson for the celebration, said the day offered a moment of reflection to renew commitment to advancing not only opportunities for women but also transforming those opportunities into lasting impacts.
A visually impaired student of Mawuli School, Ho, shared her testimony of overcoming fears after childbirth and gaining access through a scholarship to the New Horizon E.P. Educational Centre for the Blind. She said the support gave her the confidence to pursue education and aspire for greater achievements.
The programme featured cultural performances, including a drama staged by HTU Women in Engineering students, which highlighted the importance of supporting women to excel in their chosen professions.
The Vice-Chancellor of HTU, Prof. Ben Q. Honyenuga, reaffirmed the University’s commitment to promoting gender equality and empowering women through mentorship and leadership pathways. He stressed that empowered women are central to national development.
International Women’s Day is celebrated every March 8 to honour women’s achievements, promote gender equality, and advocate for women’s rights.
