Ms. Dorothy Barnes, Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Project Officer at FOSDA, visited Labone Senior High School in Accra on March 7, 2025, to commemorate International Women's Day (IWD) 2025. Organized by the National Peace Council (NPC) under the global theme Accelerate Action, the event aimed to inspire students to address gender disparities through actionable steps.

Ms. Barnes delivered a presentation titled Accelerating Gender Equality: Moving from Awareness to Action, urging students to recognize systemic inequalities, advocate for equal opportunities, and contribute to a more equitable society. She emphasized the role of youth in driving meaningful change.

The program opened with a keynote address by Ms. Semefa Asimenu, head of NPC's Gender Unit, who highlighted IWD's significance and stressed the need for women's leadership in decision-making spaces. Students then performed a drama piece illustrating the importance of quality education for girls, sparking lively discussions about gender-related challenges.

Throughout the event, participants engaged actively, sharing perspectives and asking questions. The interactive format fostered empowerment, equipping students with practical strategies to champion equality in their communities.

The event concluded with a call for students to become advocates for change, both in their schools and beyond. By equipping young people with tools to address gender disparities, initiatives like this advance a future where equality is a lived reality.