Source: Nana Achiaa Aboagye
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has marked International Women’s Day with a national conference and the official launch of the National Gender Policy (2025–2034), reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to advancing the rights, protection and empowerment of women and girls.
The high-level conference, held under the theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,” brought together policymakers, development partners, civil society organisations, traditional leaders, women’s groups and gender advocates from across the country.
International Women’s Day is globally observed to celebrate women’s achievements while drawing attention to persistent inequalities. Ghana’s 2026 commemoration placed renewed emphasis on translating gender commitments into concrete action.
National Gender Policy Launched
As part of the celebration, the Ministry launched the National Gender Policy (2025–2034), a comprehensive framework aimed at mainstreaming gender equality across all sectors of national development, including education, health, employment, governance, agriculture, infrastructure, digital transformation and economic planning.
Speaking at the event, the Chairperson of Parliament’s Select Committee on Gender, Children and Social Welfare, Helen Entoso, stressed that policies alone do not change lives unless they are effectively implemented.
She reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to:
–Providing strong legislative support
–Exercising effective oversight
–Advocating for adequate budgetary allocations
–Promoting cross-sector collaboration
According to her, the policy marks a decisive step in Ghana’s journey towards substantive equality, describing it as more than a document but a national framework for strengthening institutional accountability, women’s empowerment, social protection systems, and the dignity and rights of women and girls.
Minister Highlights Policy Significance
Delivering the keynote address, the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, described the launch of the policy as a major milestone in Ghana’s pursuit of gender equality and social justice.
She noted that the policy is designed to:
– Strengthen institutional accountability
–Enhance women’s economic empowerment
–Reinforce social protection systems
–uphold the fundamental rights and dignity of women and girls
Dr. Lartey reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to inclusive governance, ensuring women’s voices are reflected in decision-making processes, protecting fundamental human rights and guaranteeing equal access to justice without discrimination.
Commitment to Action
The launch of the National Gender Policy (2025–2034) signals a renewed national resolve to move from commitment to action. Stakeholders at the conference pledged collaboration and accountability, stressing that the success of the policy will depend on sustained political will, adequate funding and effective implementation.
As Ghana celebrates the contributions of women in both the formal and informal sectors, the policy underscores the central role of women in national productivity and development, with a clear call to ensure no woman or girl is left behind.
