In a bold move to amplify women’s voices in the national discourse, the Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Hon. Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, convened a high-level engagement with senior female journalists in Ghana.
The dialogue, centred on media collaboration, gender issues, and the role of the media in advancing women’s rights, marked a significant milestone in fostering a collective push for gender equality in Ghana.
Welcoming the journalists, Dr. Lartey expressed profound appreciation for their participation, emphasizing the critical nature of the engagement. “This is a gathering of women to discuss women’s issues and how we can create space for ourselves to be seen and heard,” she stated.
She underscored the pivotal role journalists play in shaping public perception and influencing policy advocacy, highlighting that the media bears a unique responsibility in amplifying women’s voices and spotlighting gender-related challenges.
Reaffirming the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to gender equality, child protection, and social welfare, she aligned her vision with that of President John Dramani Mahama, who seeks to reduce vulnerability to the lowest possible level.
She assured that the Ministry is diligently working with stakeholders to actualize this vision within the shortest possible time.
Legislative Priorities: Affirmative Action and Social Protection
Outlining her priorities for the first 120 days in office, Dr. Lartey emphasized the urgent need to accelerate the implementation of the Affirmative Action Bill.
The bill aims to ensure greater representation of women in decision-making positions and, according to the Minister, must be widely understood, embraced, and effectively utilized by its intended beneficiaries.
Additionally, she identified the Social Protection (SP) Bill as a crucial legislative agenda item that needs swift passage and full implementation.
This, she explained, would significantly enhance Ghana’s social protection framework, offering stronger support to vulnerable populations.
Education and Child Welfare: Key Policy Interventions
Turning her focus to education and child welfare, Dr. Lartey reiterated the government’s commitment to decentralizing and improving the Ghana School Feeding Programme.
She stressed the importance of food quality in schools, making a powerful declaration: “If you cannot feed it to yourself or your children, don’t feed it to others.” This statement, a direct quote from President Mahama, underscored her dedication to ensuring children receive nutritious meals in schools.
In a significant policy announcement, Dr. Lartey disclosed a strategic partnership with the Ministries of Finance and Education to launch a free sanitary pad distribution initiative for schoolgirls.
This intervention aims to eliminate menstrual health challenges as a barrier to education, ensuring that no girl misses school due to the lack of sanitary products.
Furthermore, she highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to expand access to free tertiary education.
In collaboration with the Ministries of Education and Finance, the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection is working to ensure that Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and students from disadvantaged backgrounds can pursue higher education at no cost.
Women’s Empowerment and Economic Development
Addressing economic empowerment, Dr. Lartey unveiled plans for the establishment of the Women’s Development Bank.
The bank, she explained, will offer financial support tailored for women entrepreneurs, enabling them to expand their businesses and contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s economic development. She encouraged the media to spotlight such initiatives to inform and inspire women across the country.
On the issue of gender-based violence, the Minister called for urgent amendments to the Domestic Violence Act to bolster its effectiveness.
As part of the government’s commitment to protecting victims, she announced a groundbreaking initiative to establish 16 shelters—one in each region—to provide rapid response services and safety for survivors of abuse.
Dr. Lartey further urged journalists to use their platforms to challenge deep-rooted cultural practices that hinder gender equality.
“As a Ministry, we are committed to partnering with you to ensure gender equality is achieved,” she affirmed, making a strong case for sustained media advocacy.
Commitment from the Media: A New Era of Collaboration
In response, the female journalists congratulated Dr. Lartey on her appointment and pledged their unwavering support to the Ministry’s agenda.
They lauded the engagement as a groundbreaking initiative, noting that it was the first time a Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection had held a direct meeting with female journalists.
Many journalists highlighted that this move signals a positive transformation in the Ministry’s approach to gender advocacy and media relations.
They committed to leveraging their platforms to advance discussions on gender issues, social protection, and women’s rights in Ghana.
The meeting was attended by notable officials, including the Chief Director, Dr. Afisah Zakariah, and the Social Protection Director, Madam Francisca Atuluk, both of whom expressed optimism about the strengthened collaboration between the Ministry and the media.
Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey’s engagement with senior female journalists underscores a renewed commitment to advancing gender equality and social protection in Ghana.
By prioritizing legislative reforms, educational accessibility, economic empowerment, and robust media collaboration, the Ministry is setting a strong foundation for an inclusive and progressive society.
