Women of Valour 2026 has been officially launched at the residence of the British High Commission to Ghana in Accra, bringing together policymakers, journalists, activists, and survivors.
The launch took place on 17 February 2026 under the theme “The Pursuit of Fearlessness.”
A key highlight of the event was the powerful testimonies delivered by survivors of abuse, whose lived experiences are helping to shape this year’s advocacy agenda.
Musician Diana Hopeson shared her personal story, explaining that a marriage she entered at age 21—believing that shared Christian values would ensure harmony—gradually became emotionally abusive in private.
Though widely recognised publicly as a successful artiste, she disclosed that she faced repeated threats to her life.
“My breaking point was when he threatened to drive our car into a truck so we would both die, simply because I smiled with fans after an event,” she recounted.
She further revealed that there were threats to acquire a weapon and kill them both, circumstances that ultimately compelled her to leave the marriage and seek assistance.
Actress and advocate Vicky Zugah also opened up about her ordeal, describing how a relationship she entered in 2013 quickly became violent.
“He dragged me into a room and threatened to stab me,” she said. “Another time, he attempted to drive into a mountain with me in the car.”
She stated that after ending that relationship, she entered another which turned physically abusive, including during her pregnancy.
“He beat me and threatened to kill me and my unborn child, saying nothing would happen because we live in Ghana,” she recounted, adding that she was later blamed by some for the breakdown of her relationships.
Speaking at the event, Director of the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), Owusuwaa Kyeremeh, reassured women and young people that protective systems are in place.
“We are ready to fight for women and the youth. No matter the status or class of the person involved, report the abuse and it will be dealt with appropriately,” she said.
She added that DOVVSU has been in operation since 1998 and continues to enhance its response mechanisms as abuse cases evolve.
Founder of Women of Valour, Nana Aba Anamoah, stated that the bravery of survivors inspired this year’s theme.
“These are not isolated cases. Too many women suffer in silence because they are afraid — afraid of judgment and afraid of not being believed,” she said.
According to her, “The Pursuit of Fearlessness” seeks to foster safe spaces where women can speak openly without fear and have confidence that institutions will protect them.
The main Women of Valour 2026 event is scheduled for 7 March in London, where stakeholders are expected to continue discussions on strengthening collaboration among the media, policymakers, and activists to safeguard women and girls.
