The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to gender equality and sustainable development at the inaugural Women in Sustainability Africa (WiSA) Summit. The summit, themed “The Role of Women as a Source of Labour and Agents of Sustainability,” brought together policymakers, development partners, and gender advocates to highlight the vital role women play in advancing sustainability efforts across Africa.
Dr. Lartey emphasized that the Government of Ghana remains steadfast in integrating gender perspectives into national development. She highlighted the National Gender Policy (2015) as a foundational framework for empowering women, including women with disabilities, by ensuring access to secure livelihoods and economic opportunities. The Minister also noted the development of a national framework and toolkit for engaging men and boys on gender equality.
The Minister touched on recent legislative milestones, including the passage of the Affirmative Action Act, which paves the way for increased women’s participation in decision-making and the creation of a more inclusive and sustainable society. She also highlighted the Ministry’s initiatives that link social protection with sustainability, such as the Ghana School Feeding Programme.
Dr. Lartey added that the Ministry is collaborating with the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation and the Environmental Protection Agency to ensure that Ghana’s National Adaptation Plan incorporates gender-responsive strategies to address climate change impacts on women and marginalized groups.
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