The Member of Parliament for Madina, Francis-Xavier Sosu, has called for stronger investment and policy support for women engaged in the poultry sector, describing their contribution as vital to Ghana’s food security and economic development.
His message was delivered at an International Women's Day event organised by the Women in Poultry Value Chain (WIPVaC) in Accra, which brought together poultry farmers, industry stakeholders, education officials and development partners.
In a statement read on his behalf, Sosu commended women across the poultry value chain for their resilience and dedication to sustaining the sector.
From small-scale poultry farms to feed distribution, processing, marketing and retail, women continue to play a vital role in sustaining the poultry industry and contributing to food security in Ghana,” the statement said.
He stressed that empowering women should be seen as a strategic national priority rather than an act of charity.
Empowering women is not charity; it is a strategic investment in national development. When women succeed, families thrive, communities prosper and the nation moves forward,” he noted.
Sosu acknowledged that despite their significant role in agriculture and agribusiness, many women still face challenges such as limited access to finance, unequal land ownership opportunities and inadequate access to technical training and markets.
Many women in agriculture continue to face structural barriers that limit their ability to expand their enterprises and fully realise their economic potential,” he said.
The MP emphasised the need for concrete policies that guarantee women equal access to resources, markets and legal protection.
He also highlighted the establishment of a Centre for Legal Aid and Social Protection by his office to provide legal assistance and advocacy support for vulnerable groups, particularly women and children.
According to him, the centre supports women facing issues related to property rights, workplace injustices, family disputes and access to social protection services.
Women entrepreneurs, including those in the poultry value chain, deserve not only opportunities to grow their businesses but also systems that safeguard their rights and dignity,” the statement added.
Sosu further commended Women in Poultry Value Chain for creating a platform that allows women farmers and agribusiness entrepreneurs to collaborate, share knowledge and strengthen their influence within the sector.
Also speaking at the event, the Girls’ Education Coordinator at the La Nkwantanang Madina Directorate of Education, Adjoa Akyenba Ampah, emphasised that the celebration of International Women’s Day should serve as a reminder of the urgent need to advance gender equality and protect the rights of women and girls.
She noted that women continue to play significant roles across key sectors including education, agriculture and business, particularly in the poultry value chain where they contribute to food security and economic growth.
However, she pointed out that many women still face challenges such as limited access to finance and land, gender discrimination and restricted participation in decision-making.
Today is not just a celebration; it is a reminder that women and girls deserve equal rights, equal opportunities and equal protection under the law. More importantly, it is a call for action — not tomorrow, but now,” she said.
Doris Yaa Osei, Senior Research Scientist and Acting Deputy Director at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research – Animal Research Institute (CSIR-ARI), also emphasised the need to intensify awareness creation to promote equity, particularly for women and young girls.
She noted that empowering women through mentorship and opportunities was essential for building an inclusive and prosperous society.
We must provide mentorship and opportunities for women and girls to help create a prosperous future for all,” she said.
Dr. Osei further pledged her institution’s support to women poultry farmers, indicating that the institute would provide technical guidance and training to help strengthen their skills and advance their careers in the sector.
The Greater Accra President of Women in Poultry Value Chain (WIPVaC), Florence Doku, in her welcome address, highlighted the critical role women play in agriculture, particularly within the poultry value chain.
She noted that achieving meaningful progress for women requires collective commitment from all stakeholders to build stronger families and a more prosperous nation.
Doku also emphasised the importance of protecting and supporting women, especially poultry farmers, while recognising their significant contributions to the agricultural sector.
She therefore called for continuous investment in women and girls, stressing that when the right support systems are put in place, women and girls are empowered to succeed and contribute meaningfully to national development.
As part of week-long activities to commemorate this year’s International Women's Day, WIPVaC also organised a symposium at the University of Cape Coast and donated eggs to the Ga West Municipal Hospital in Amasaman.
International Women's Day is celebrated globally on March 8 each year to recognise the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women while also advocating for gender equality and women’s rights. The day has become an important platform for governments, civil society organisations and communities to highlight challenges facing women and promote actions that advance gender inclusion and empowerment.
Participants at the event called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, financial organisations and development partners to create opportunities that enable women entrepreneurs, particularly those in agriculture and poultry farming, to thrive.
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