Despite decades of progress in advancing human rights globally, gender inequality remains one of the most persistent barriers to achieving social justice, a Deputy Commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Mercy Larbi, has said.

She explained that discrimination based on gender continued to limit opportunities, reinforce harmful stereotypes and perpetuate violence, affecting the ability of individuals—especially women and girls—to fully enjoy their fundamental rights.

Ms Larbi identified other barriers as social and cultural norms that restrict women’s autonomy and decision-making power, violence and discrimination including domestic abuse and sexual harassment, as well as the lack of representation and voice in decision-making processes.

She made the remarks on Saturday, March 14, at a colloquium organised by the Kings University College in Accra to mark International Women’s Day.

This year’s global observance of International Women’s Day was held under the theme, ‘Rights, Justice, Action: For All Women and Girls’, with the campaign tagline, ‘Give to Gain’.

She noted that many of the country’s cultural norms and practices were in direct conflict with human rights principles and laws, stressing that women, as human beings, were entitled to all fundamental rights as enshrined in international instruments and national laws.

“By being human, women are entitled to basic rights such as right to life, right to personal liberty, right to reproduction, right to education, work, health, property and equality and freedom from discrimination,” she said.

Widespread violations

Ms Larbi said discrimination, inequality and gender-based violence against women and girls remained among the most widespread and persistent violations of women’s rights globally, with approximately one in three women experiencing such abuses at some point in their lives.

She emphasised that securing justice for violations against women and girls was essential to building a society grounded in equality, dignity and safety.

“Justice requires that survivors can report abuse without fear, gain access to legal protection, and be treated fairly within the justice system. Governments and institutions have the responsibility of enacting strong laws and policies that safeguard women and girls from violence and discrimination. A truly effective justice system must investigate cases swiftly, hold perpetrators accountable, and ensure appropriate penalties are applied,” she said.

Support for survivors

Beyond legal measures, Ms Larbi said justice also required the provision of essential support services for survivors, including quality medical care, counselling, legal aid and protection from further harm.

She explained that with adequate support, survivors were better able to heal, rebuild their lives and regain confidence.

“It is important to note that the state has a central role in respecting, protecting and fulfilling human rights and fundamental freedoms of all persons, including women and girls. As the primary duty-bearer under international human rights law, the State is obligated to ensure that every individual within its jurisdiction can fully enjoy their rights and freedoms without discrimination or undue restriction,” she pointed out.