Member of Parliament for Atwima Nwabiagya South, Shirley Kyei, has celebrated African Women’s Day 2026 with a call for stronger action to secure Africa’s water future, improve sanitation and advance gender equality.
Speaking in Parliament on Friday, July 31, 2026, the MP delivered a statement on behalf of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus of the African Parliamentary Union (APU), to which she serves as a delegate for Ghana.
This year’s African Women’s Day is being commemorated under the theme, “Women Securing Africa’s Water Future: Advancing Sustainable Sanitation and Water for Agenda 2063.”
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The theme highlights the critical role women play in the management, conservation and governance of water resources across Africa.
It also draws attention to the disproportionate burden inadequate access to clean water and sanitation places on women and girls, particularly those living in rural and peri-urban communities.
According to Shirley Kyei, the amount of time women and girls spend fetching water can limit their opportunities for education, economic empowerment and participation in public life.
She said the situation reinforces existing inequalities and makes sustainable water and sanitation solutions essential to achieving gender equality and inclusive development.
African Women’s Day 2026
As part of her African Women’s Day 2026 statement, Shirley Kyei celebrated the resilience and contributions of African women to peace, stability, democracy and socio-economic development.
She noted that the commemoration also provides an opportunity to reaffirm the shared responsibility of African governments and institutions to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment.
The MP recalled that African Women’s Day commemorates the African Women’s Congress held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in 1962.
The historic gathering contributed to the establishment of the Pan-African Women’s Organisation (PAWO), described as the first continental movement created to unite African women in the struggle against colonialism, apartheid, gender discrimination and social injustice.
Shirley Kyei said the continent must continue to honour the vision and sacrifices of the pioneers of the African women’s movement.
She also recognised the continuing contributions of African women as leaders, peacebuilders, entrepreneurs, caregivers and agents of sustainable development.
The MP said the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus of the African Parliamentary Union remains committed to advocating for the implementation of international commitments on women’s rights.
“As parliamentarians, we have a responsibility to ensure that these commitments translate into practical actions that improve the lives of women and girls across our continent,” she said.
Every woman and girl, she said, should have the opportunity to realise her full potential regardless of her background or location.
Contribution to development
Turning her attention to Ghana, the Atwima Nwabiagya South MP praised Ghanaian women for their significant contribution to national development, peace and social cohesion.
According to her, women continue to play indispensable roles as mothers, caregivers, educators, entrepreneurs, farmers, health professionals, traditional leaders, public servants and political leaders.
She said Ghanaian women contribute significantly to community development by championing dialogue, mediating conflicts, supporting livelihoods and strengthening the economic and social well-being of the country.
Shirley Kyei said the resilience and dedication of African women must continue to be recognised and supported through policies and investments that address their specific challenges.
The MP urged African countries to place women at the centre of efforts to achieve the goals of Agenda 2063 and build a more inclusive, peaceful and sustainable continent.
She said the commemoration of African Women’s Day 2026 should serve not only as a celebration of the achievements of African women but also as a renewed call to action to address the challenges that continue to limit their full participation in development.
She reaffirmed her commitment to supporting initiatives that promote gender equality, empower women and girls, and contribute to sustainable development across Ghana and Africa.