A successful two-day high-level strategy retreat was organized by the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection with the goal of assisting in the efficient implementation of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024 (Act 1121).
Members of the Ministry’s Advisory Board, lawmakers, the recently established Gender Equity Committee, representatives from important Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), development partners like UNDP Ghana, UN Women, UNICEF Ghana, and the World Food Programme, as well as academic institutions and other important stakeholders, were all present at the retreat.
The Act’s passage in July 2024 marked a historic turning point in Ghana’s pursuit of gender equity, inclusive governance, and sustainable national development, according to Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, who gave the keynote address.
According to her, the Act intends to gradually raise the percentage of women in public and private sector decision-making positions, with a target of at least 30% by 2026 and 50% by 2034.
The Minister emphasized that copies of the Act have already been given to MDAs, MMDAs, security agencies, and other interested parties, and that the Ministry has started the process of drafting the Legislative Instrument (L.I.) necessary for the Act’s complete operationalization.
Additionally, infographics and awareness-raising resources have been created to aid with training and lobbying initiatives in a number of industries.
The first day of the retreat was devoted to improving participants’ comprehension of the Act’s main sections and encouraging discussion of the roles of stakeholders.
The Minister took use of the opportunity to greet and congratulate the recently appointed members of the Gender Equity Committee, whose applications had been accepted by the President’s Office.
She said she had faith in their professional knowledge to spearhead the Act’s implementation.
The creation of a strategic implementation framework, including workable plans, deadlines, and coordination systems for a national rollout, was the main focus of Day 2.
It included working group exercises, panel talks, and technical workshops.
After members had taken the Oath of Office and the Oath of Secrecy, the Hon. Minister swore in the Gender Equity Committee, which was a major highlight of the day.
Among other things, the Committee’s duty includes advising the Minister on pertinent policy matters pertaining to the Act’s execution.
Furthermore, in accordance with Section 39 of the Civil Service Act, 1993, the Ministerial Advisory Board was established (PNDCL 327).
In addition to advising on changes to the direction of policy and strategic planning, the Board is supposed to help the Ministry and stakeholders engage on a regular basis.
The Hon. Minister chairs the Advisory Board and the Gender Equity Committee.
In order for the implementation process to be successful, the Minister urged cooperation from the government, development partners, academics, civil society, the media, and local communities.
She thanked the World Food Programme, UN Women, UNICEF, UNDP, and the Ghana Chapter of the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) for their tremendous assistance in planning the retreat.
Stakeholders expressed a strong commitment at the end of the retreat to promoting the Affirmative Action Act’s implementation in a way that is inclusive, significant, and long-lasting.
Source: newsthemegh.com