The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has emphasized the need for stronger industry support for women pursuing careers in Technical and Vocational Education and Training. According to the Ministry, access to training must be matched with opportunities to gain practical experience and build sustainable careers. This call was made in a keynote address delivered on behalf of the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, by the Ministry’s Director, Faustina Acheampong.
The keynote address was delivered at the fifth edition of the Women in TVET Conference in Accra, organized by the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training. The conference, held under the theme “Give to Gain – A Powerful Call to Action,” brought together women in the sector, industry, policymakers, educators, and development partners. The Minister noted that Ghana’s changing labour market made it increasingly important for women and girls to acquire practical, market-relevant skills and have clear pathways into employment and leadership.
The Minister highlighted that women’s participation in areas traditionally dominated by men could broaden the country’s skills base and contribute to a more inclusive workforce. She also raised concerns about the need to move beyond encouraging women to participate in TVET and address the structural barriers that can prevent them from completing their training, entering industry, and progressing in their careers. These barriers are being addressed through the government’s broader gender agenda, including the Revised National Gender Policy 2025–2034 and the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024.
The Minister encouraged girls not to allow traditional perceptions about “men’s jobs” and “women’s jobs” to determine their career choices. She also emphasized that skills must be accompanied by ambition, networks, technology, and opportunities to use what they have learned. The Minister commended the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training for sustaining the Women in TVET Conference, describing it as an important platform for promoting greater participation of women in TVET.
The conference aims to create pathways linking skills training with employment, entrepreneurship, and leadership opportunities. The Minister called on stakeholders to ensure that discussions about women in TVET translate into practical partnerships and opportunities rather than remaining at the level of policy and dialogue. This, she believes, will help build a Ghana in which women and men have equal opportunities to contribute to national development.
The Ministry’s Director, Faustina Acheampong, emphasized that industry has an important role to play in closing the gap between skills acquisition and employment by providing more internships, apprenticeships, and workplace opportunities for women and girls. This, she believes, will help address the challenges faced by women in TVET and create a more inclusive workforce.
The Gender Ministry’s call for greater industry support for women in TVET is part of ongoing efforts to promote greater participation of women in TVET and create pathways linking skills training with employment, entrepreneurship, and leadership opportunities. The Ministry remains committed to working with stakeholders to address the challenges faced by women in TVET and create a more inclusive workforce.
Key points
- The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection is calling for stronger industry support for women pursuing careers in Technical and Vocational Education and Training.
- The government is working to address structural barriers that prevent women from completing their training, entering industry, and progressing in their careers.
- The Women in TVET Conference aims to create pathways linking skills training with employment, entrepreneurship, and leadership opportunities.
