The Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET) has held the 5th Edition of the Women in TVET Conference 2026 under the theme, “Give to Gain: A Powerful Call to Action,” bringing together policymakers, development partners, industry leaders, educators, and women professionals to promote gender inclusion and strengthen women’s participation in technical and vocational education and training.
In his welcome address, Abdul Rahman Zakaria, Deputy Director-General in charge of Corporate Services at CTVET, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to expanding opportunities for women and girls in TVET. He encouraged young women to pursue careers based on their talents and aspirations rather than societal stereotypes, describing technical and vocational education as a critical pathway to employment, entrepreneurship, and national development. He also conveyed the greetings of the Director-General of CTVET, who is currently leading Ghana’s delegation at the WorldSkills International Competition in China.
The keynote address was delivered by Madam Faustina Acheampong, Director of the Department of Gender at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, on behalf of Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection. She emphasised the need for deliberate investment in education, mentorship, leadership development, and skills training for women and girls, stressing that their full participation in technical and vocational fields is essential to Ghana’s industrial growth and socio-economic transformation. She further highlighted the government’s commitment to advancing gender equality through the Revised National Gender Policy 2025–2034 and the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024.
The conference also featured remarks from partner organisations, including Constance Swaniker of DTI, Joy Essandoh of CAMFED, and Belinda Alabi of GETFund. A goodwill message was delivered by Dr. Yaa Afi Osei, Assistant Director of the Collateral Registry Department of the Bank of Ghana, who represented the Second Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana.
Other highlights of the programme included success story presentations, a musical performance by Akosua Agyapong, an address from the Ministry of Education delivered by Wilma Titus-Glover, Principal Programmes Officer for Inclusive Education, and an exhibition showcasing innovation and excellence within the TVET sector.
A key feature of the conference was the Women in TVET Spotlight session, which celebrated outstanding women making strides in technical professions. Through documentary presentations and personal reflections, Constance Swaniker, Nana Afua Serwaa Adusei(Auto Mechanics), Enyonam Manye(Agriculture), and Belinda Akaba(Mechanical Vehicle Engineering) shared their experiences, inspiring more young women to pursue careers in fields traditionally dominated by men.
The conference reinforced the importance of collaboration among government, industry, and development partners in creating an enabling environment for women and girls to acquire relevant skills, access economic opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s development agenda.
