The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP), in collaboration with the Department of Gender, supported by the United Nations in Ghana, Crossroads International, and Emerging Public Leaders Ghana, has celebrated the 2024 International Women’s Day with a National Equity Walk.
The walk, which commenced from Kwame Nkrumah Circle and traversed principal streets of Accra to the Ministry’s forecourt, was themed: “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.”
This theme underscores the significance of investing in women to advance human rights, foster inclusive societies, and alleviate poverty among women.
Annually, the 8th of March is globally designated to honour the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women worldwide.
In a speech delivered on behalf of the Caretaker Minister for the Ministry, Hon. Hawa Koomson, Dr. Afisah Zakariah, the Chief Director for MoGCSP, asserted that investing in women is not merely an economic strategy but also encompasses their human, social, and health rights and needs.
Dr. Zakariah reiterated the government’s commitment to empowering, promoting, and protecting the rights of women and providing them with platforms to showcase their innovations and ingenuity.
“The government’s dedication to promoting gender equality and women empowerment is evident in the enactment of laws, development of policies, strategies, and commitments to international instruments,” she stated.
Furthermore, Dr. Zakariah highlighted the Ministry’s review and update of the National Gender Policy, aimed at creating equal opportunities for all by integrating gender equality and women’s empowerment concerns into the national development process to ensure inclusivity.
She also mentioned the Affirmative Action Bill, currently under parliamentary debate, which seeks to redress social and economic imbalances and promote increased participation of women in public life.
Addressing participants, Madam Faustina Acheampong, Director of the Department of Gender, highlighted that investing in women and accelerating progress resonates with the urgent global call for action. She emphasized the vital importance of directing resources, focus, and assistance toward endeavours promoting gender equality and empowering women.
Partners additionally pledged to collaborate with the Ministry and its allies, providing tailored support to grassroots organizations to amplify actions and cultivate progressive mindsets for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.
