“Empowered Women Break the Chain of Poverty” – Tinah Mukunda Inspire women at IWD Dialogue
By Vivian Adu, Communications Officer
As part of activities marking International Women’s Day (IWD), World Vision Ghana organised a special high‑level dialogue session aimed at inspiring, equipping, and empowering women across the organisation. The session was led by Dr Tinah Mukunda, National Director of World Vision Ghana, and featured distinguished speakers from Uganda, including Dr Sylvia Tumuhairwe, Madam Annet Katusiime Mugisha, and Madam Allen Tukahirwa.
The dialogue created a powerful space for reflection, learning, and action, reinforcing World Vision Ghana’s commitment to gender equality, women’s leadership, and inclusive development.
Delivering the keynote message, Dr Tinah Mukunda emphasised that empowering women remains one of the most effective pathways to breaking cycles of poverty and building resilient communities.
“Empowered women break the chain of poverty,” she stated. “When you empower a woman, you are protecting and preserving an entire community.”
She described women as bridge builders, connecting families, communities, and future generations. According to her, World Vision Ghana’s work in women’s empowerment goes beyond welfare or charity and is firmly rooted in rights, dignity, and justice.
“Empowering women is not an act of charity, it is the promotion of justice,” she noted, adding that the organisation remains committed to addressing persistent cultural and social barriers that continue to limit women’s full participation and leadership.
Dr Mukunda also highlighted the importance of equipping women with relevant skills for today’s world, including public speaking, negotiation, and leadership, stressing that such skills enable women to stand out, influence change, and take up decision‑making roles.
“When women are empowered, communities thrive,” she reiterated.
Contributing to the discussion, Dr Sylvia Tumuhairwe encouraged women to be visible and intentional about their growth and leadership journeys. She urged participants to make necessary sacrifices of time and resources, noting that long‑term impact often requires discipline and delayed gratification.
She further challenged women in positions of influence to intentionally create opportunities for other women, stressing the importance of mentorship, sponsorship, and collective advancement.
Economic empowerment as the foundation of gender equality
Madam Annet Katusiime Mugisha highlighted the strong link between economic empowerment and gender equality, stating that true equality cannot be achieved without addressing women’s economic independence.
“Gender equality remains a dream without the economic empowerment of women,” she said, adding that economic security plays a critical role in reducing domestic violence and strengthening women’s agency.
She also encouraged women to overcome procrastination and take bold steps towards personal and professional development.
Sharing practical insights, Madam Allen Tukahirwa urged women to pursue success fearlessly, particularly in entrepreneurship and business. She encouraged women to recognise their potential, take calculated risks, and remain resilient in the face of challenges.
The dialogue reinforced World Vision Ghana’s broader commitment to promoting gender equality, women’s leadership, and inclusive development as central pillars of child wellbeing and community transformation.
As the organisation continues to mark International Women’s Day, the session served as a reminder that empowering women is not only essential for individual growth but fundamental to achieving sustainable development and social justice.
When women are empowered, communities rise and futures are transformed.
