The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection in Ghana has called on women in the media to play a crucial role in implementing the Affirmative Action Act (Gender Equity) Act, 2024. The law aims to promote gender equality and empower women in the country. Sector Minister Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey made the appeal at a capacity-building workshop organized by the Gender Equity Committee Secretariat of the Ministry for women in the media in Accra.
Dr. Lartey emphasized that the media plays a vital role in shaping public opinion and national development. She commended participants for their enthusiasm and noted that the success of the Affirmative Action Act will not be determined by its passage alone but by its impact on the lives of Ghanaians. The Minister acknowledged concerns that some women may have become accustomed to existing inequalities due to lack of exposure to alternative possibilities.
According to Dr. Lartey, exposing women to opportunities and showing them the benefits of greater participation could help create a stronger awareness of their potential contribution to society. She expressed optimism about President John Dramani Mahama's upcoming AU chairmanship role, which she believes will be used to advance women's participation in leadership and development across the continent.
Dr. Charity Binka, Chair of the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) and Board Chair of the New Times Corporation, also spoke at the workshop. She stressed that the passage of the legislation is only the beginning and that the real test lies in its effective implementation. Dr. Binka emphasized the critical role of the media in sustaining public interest in the implementation of the law.
Despite the passage of the law, Ghana has yet to achieve the 30 percent women representation in key decision-making positions. Dr. Binka noted that this calls for intensified efforts to accelerate progress towards gender equality. The implementation of the Affirmative Action Act is expected to bring about significant changes in the country.
The capacity-building workshop aimed to deepen participants' understanding of the Act and strengthen collaboration towards its effective implementation. The engagement provided a platform for women in the media to discuss their role in promoting gender equality and empowering women in Ghana.
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection is committed to working with women in the media to ensure that the Affirmative Action Act benefits the public. The law is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of Ghanaians, particularly women and girls.
Key points
- The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection encourages women in media to drive implementation of the Affirmative Action Act in Ghana.
- The Act aims to promote gender equality and empower women in the country.
- Ghana has yet to achieve 30 percent women representation in key decision-making positions.
