In a significant step towards amplifying women's voices in national discourse, the Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has engaged senior female journalists in Accra.
The meeting focussed on media collaboration, addressing gender issues, and the media’s role in advancing women’s rights.
Welcoming the journalists, Dr. Lartey expressed appreciation for their presence, emphasising the importance of creating space for women to be seen and heard.
“This is a gathering of women to discuss women’s issues and how we can ensure our voices are amplified,” she stated.
Highlighting the media's critical role in shaping public perception and policy advocacy, she stressed that journalists have a unique responsibility to bring gender-related challenges to the forefront and advocate for lasting solutions.
Affirmative Action
Outlining key priorities for her first 120 days in office, the Minister emphasised the urgent need to accelerate the implementation of the Affirmative Action Bill. She noted that the bill aims to increase women’s representation in decision-making spaces and must be effectively understood and utilised by its beneficiaries.
She also underscored the importance of passing and implementing the Social Protection (SP) Bill to strengthen Ghana’s social protection framework, ensuring vulnerable populations receive adequate support.
Education,child welfare
Dr. Lartey reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the Ghana School Feeding Programme, stressing the need for high food quality. Quoting President John Dramani Mahama, she stated, “If you cannot feed it to yourself or your children, don’t feed it to others.”
The Minister announced a partnership with the Ministries of Finance and Education to launch a free sanitary pad distribution initiative for schoolgirls, aimed at eliminating menstrual health barriers to education.
She also highlighted ongoing efforts to expand access to free tertiary education, ensuring Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and students from disadvantaged backgrounds can pursue higher education at no cost.
Women’s empowerment
On women’s empowerment, Dr. Lartey introduced the upcoming Women’s Development Bank, which will provide financial support to female entrepreneurs. She encouraged journalists to highlight such initiatives to inspire more women to pursue economic independence.
Addressing gender-based violence, she called for amendments to the Domestic Violence Act to enhance its effectiveness. She also announced plans to establish 16 regional shelters to provide rapid response and safety for survivors of abuse.
“As a Ministry, we are committed to working with the media to achieve gender equality,” she assured.
Commitment
The female journalists congratulated the Minister on her appointment and pledged their support in championing gender equality and social protection in Ghana. They noted that this was the first time a Minister of the sector had engaged female journalists directly, viewing it as a positive step towards meaningful transformation.
The meeting was attended by the Chief Director, Dr. Afisah Zakariah, and the Social Protection Director, Madam Francisca Atuluk.
