The Minister of Fisheries, Hon. Hawa Koomson, who doubles as the Caretaker Minister for the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection has called for increased advocacy for the promotion of gender equality, equity, and women and girls empowerment in Ghana.

As today marks International Women’s Day (IWD) worldwide the Caretaker Minister of Gender and Social Protection indicated that the government must be committed to investing in the social, economic, and political participation of the Ghanaian woman.

“The Speaker, investing in women is not only an economic strategy it includes their human, social, and health rights and needs. Therefore as a country, we must consider policies that enhance equality and equity and the full integration of women into the national development process for sustainable growth”.
Hon. Hawa Koomson

Hon. Hawa Koomson indicated that the government must take action to highlight the pressing challenges that women continue to face in the areas of discrimination, violence, abuse, and economic exclusion by creating a safe space for all women through sustainable investment.

Furthermore, she acknowledged the government’s achievements in its efforts to promote, protect, and empower the rights of Ghanaian women. She stated that the government has given women the opportunity and platform to propel their innovation and ingenuity.

The Minister further noted that the government’s commitment to empowering women is evident in enacted laws of the state, developed policies, and its commitment to international instruments that seek to protect and empower women.

“The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has recently reviewed and updated the National Gender Policy. This policy seeks to create equal opportunities for all by mainstreaming gender equality and women empowerment concerns into our national development process to ensure that no one is left behind”.
Hon. Hawa Koomson

Ghana’s Stride To Achieve Gender Equality

She also indicated that the Affirmative Action bill currently before the Parliament seeks to address the social, cultural, economic, and political gender imbalances in Ghana. She noted that the bill also seeks to promote a progressive increase in the active participation of women in public life and decisions.

Moreover, the Minister disclosed that the Social Protection bill which is also before the Parliament seeks to ensure permanent employment for women who constitute the most vulnerable of society. “This is to reduce poverty in all forms in the female gender group” she added.

“The Speaker, for us to promote our advocacy agenda and advance change, we have to build stronger partnerships as enshrined in the Sustainable Development Goals Five (SDG5). As leaders and lawmakers, we are obliged to pass laws that address gender concerns leading to gender mainstreaming advocacy at all levels”.
Hon. Hawa Koomson

Hon. Hawa Koomson also urged all Ghanaians to create an inclusive environment that promotes integration, diversity, investment, and collaboration for women in Ghana. She applauded all Ghanaian women for their immense contribution towards national development while she acknowledged Ghanaian men for supporting the course for gender equality and women empowerment.

She indicated that the Ministry of Gender believes that the commemoration of this year’s International Women’s Day will intensify efforts towards improving gender equality in the context of investing in women. “I wish all women of Ghana and women all over the world an International Women’s Day” she added.

International Women’s Day is an international holiday celebrated annually on March 8 as a focal point in the women’s rights movement. IWD focuses on issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women. The United Nations themed this year’s International Women’s Day celebration as, “Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress”. The theme seeks to remind societies globally to accelerate the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions.