Students and speakers at the KDI School of Public Policy and Management have called for stronger commitment to gender equality and inclusive policymaking, emphasising that empowering women is central to sustainable development and social progress.

The call was made during a commemorative event organised by the KDIS Women Leaders Forum in collaboration with the KDIS Human Rights Forum to mark International Women’s Day 2026, held under the global theme “Give to Gain.” The event sought to deepen dialogue on gender equality, leadership and human rights within the academic community while encouraging students to reflect on their role in advancing women’s empowerment.

In her welcome remarks, Enara Khan, a Master of Development Policy (MDP) student from Pakistan and representative of the KDIS Women Leaders Forum, urged participants to recognise the dignity of labour and the resilience demonstrated by women in everyday roles.

“At KDI School, I feel deeply inspired by the women who come early every morning to work and clean the spaces we use every day. Many of them are elderly, yet their spirit and determination are incredibly strong. They work tirelessly to earn for themselves and support their families,” she said.

Khan noted that observing their dedication had reinforced her belief that every form of honest work deserves recognition and respect. “Watching them reminds me of the quiet strength and resilience that so many women carry. Their dedication is truly inspiring. It also reinforces my belief that no job is big or small—every form of honest work deserves respect and dignity,” she added, urging the community to acknowledge the often unseen contributions of such women.

Also speaking at the event, Okunrinboye Mayowa, an MDP 2025 student from Nigeria, highlighted the importance of collective responsibility in advancing opportunities for women and girls, noting that the theme “Give to Gain” reflects the need for individuals and institutions to actively support gender equality through advocacy, mentorship and policy engagement.

Another speaker, Al-Hassan Fareedah, representative of the KDIS Human Rights Forum, emphasised the transformative power of women’s education in national development. Citing the Ghanaian educator James Emman Kwegyir Aggrey, she noted that educating women produces broader societal benefits.

The Ghanaian educator James Emman Kwegyir Aggrey once said, ‘If you educate a man, you educate an individual. But if you educate a woman, you educate a nation,” she said. Fareedah explained that the message reflects the broader vision that empowering women, particularly those historically marginalised, creates ripple effects that strengthen entire societies.

“We all see the benefits of educating women and giving them opportunities and how far they can extend these opportunities to reach other people, even while balancing household responsibilities,” she noted, adding that the Human Rights Forum at KDI School provides a platform where students examine global development challenges through the lens of dignity, equality and justice.

“By fostering conversations and collaboration across the KDI community, the Human Rights Forum seeks to contribute to the development of future policymakers who recognise that protecting human rights is fundamental to inclusive and sustainable development,” she said.

Delivering another presentation during the programme, Boamah Berlinda Akosua, a Master of Public Policy (MPP) student, emphasised that gender equality must remain central to development and human rights advocacy. “Empowering women strengthens societies and advances human rights,” she said, stressing that women’s rights encompass access to education, equal employment opportunities, healthcare, safety and participation in leadership and decision-making.

She added that when societies invest in women, the benefits extend across economies and communities. “The theme ‘Give to Gain’ emphasises the fact that when societies invest in women, everyone benefits,” she noted, pointing to research showing that closing gender gaps in employment and entrepreneurship could significantly boost global economic growth.

Also speaking, Gayoung Hwang, an MDP student from South Korea, said studying at KDI School had deepened her understanding of the role gender considerations play in public policy. “KDI School has helped me better understand the importance of gender-sensitive policymaking through diverse classroom discussions and international perspectives,” she said. “It has encouraged me to think more critically about inclusiveness and equity when analysing public policies.”

Participants at the event also made personal commitments to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment within their respective communities and professional fields.

The programme featured interactive sessions including games, discussions, music performances and dramatic presentations aimed at reinforcing the theme of collective responsibility in advancing women’s rights.

Organisers said the collaboration between the two student forums demonstrates the importance of partnerships in addressing gender and human rights challenges, while encouraging future policymakers to integrate inclusiveness and equality into policy design and implementation.