Ghana’s Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has charged African countries to vigorously enforce affirmative action policies aimed at significantly increasing women’s representation in public and political office.
The call was made on the margins of the ongoing 70th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) in New York. Dr Lartey delivered the closing remarks at a high-level side event organised by the Pan-African Parliament, the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), and the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN).
The event, held at the Nelson Mandela Hall of the African Union Permanent Observer Mission in New York, was themed: “Strengthening Women’s Public and Parliamentary Leadership to Advance Justice, Laws and Accountable Governance in Africa.”
In her address, the Minister expressed deep appreciation to the Pan-African Parliament and AUDA-NEPAD for providing a platform for such critical discourse. She also commended the African Women Leaders Network for its consistent efforts in promoting women’s leadership and participation across the continent.
Dr Lartey acknowledged the encouraging strides made by African states through legislative reforms, gender-responsive policies, and institutional mechanisms designed to boost women’s representation in governance.
“These efforts align with the aspirations of the African Union Agenda 2063 and other global commitments to achieve gender equality and women’s empowerment,” she stated.
Highlighting Ghana’s own achievements under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, the Minister pointed to the passage of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024, and the country’s National Gender Policy as landmark measures.
These frameworks, she explained, directly tackle the persistent underrepresentation of women in decision-making roles and provide a comprehensive structure for mainstreaming gender considerations across all sectors of national development.
“These frameworks, including others, reflect Ghana’s conviction that transformative change requires both strong legal instruments and effective policy implementation,” Dr Lartey emphasised.
“They also underscore the importance of collaboration among government institutions, parliament, civil society, traditional authorities and development partners to address structural inequalities, empower women and girls, promote equal participation in governance as well as economic development, and ensure that national planning processes are responsive to the needs of both women and men,” she added.
In concluding her remarks, the Gender Minister urged participants to prioritise key areas upon returning to their respective countries.
She called for the strengthening of legal and institutional frameworks that guarantee women’s equal participation in political and public life.
She also stressed the need to address structural, social, and economic barriers that hinder women’s entry and success in leadership positions, including political financing disparities, discriminatory societal norms, and violence against women in politics.
Finally, she emphasised the importance of investing in the next generation of women leaders by expanding opportunities for mentorship, education, and leadership development for young women and girls across the continent.
The side event formed part of efforts at CSW70 to advance gender equality, women’s empowerment, and inclusive governance on the African continent.