DAY ONE – 2024 MoGCSP ANNUAL SUMMIT




November 22, 2024 1:38 am

The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MoGCSP), with support from its Development Partners, organized a two-day Annual Summit on the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act and the Commemoration of World Children’s Day from Wednesday, 20th to Thursday, 21st November 2024, in Accra.

Themed “Promoting Equality and Inclusive Development through the Affirmative Action Act,” the event highlighted key achievements, challenges, and strategies for addressing gender disparities and promoting social inclusion in Ghana.

The summit aimed to ensure the effective implementation of the Affirmative Action Act and other initiatives that promote gender equity and inclusiveness.

The opening day coincided with the commemoration of World Children’s Day, marked under the national theme “Our Future, Our Voice: Listening to a Future for Affirmative Action.”

In her keynote address, the Chief Director of MoGCSP, Dr. Afisah Zakariah, issued a call to action, stating that the summit was not merely a review of the past but a commitment to shaping a better future. She emphasized the importance of advancing gender equity and children’s rights.

Dr. Afisah Zakariah urged participants to engage fully in the programme to build a better Ghana, particularly for women, children, the vulnerable, and the marginalized.

Speaking on the importance of promoting equality and inclusivity, the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on the Affirmative Action Act, Hon. Emmanuel Agyei Anhwere, disclosed that the Gender Equity Act, 2024 ensures fairness, equity, and inclusive development. He emphasized that the Act serves as a crucial framework for a future where every individual, regardless of gender, can thrive.

In a solidarity message, representatives from UNICEF Ghana, UNFPA Ghana, and UNDP Ghana expressed their unwavering support for the Ministry. They hailed the Affirmative Action Act as a transformative pathway toward equity in leadership, economic participation, and social standing.

A key highlight of the day was the 6th sitting of the National Children’s Parliament, where young delegates debated pressing issues such as gender-based violence, child marriage, and barriers to girls’ education.

This session provided children with a platform to articulate their concerns and aspirations, aligning with the objectives of the Affirmative Action Act.

Discussions on the Affirmative Action Act, passed by Parliament in July 2024, underscored its potential to dismantle structural inequalities and increase women’s participation in leadership roles. Panelists highlighted the Act’s transformative impact on children, particularly girls, by ensuring equitable access to education, healthcare, and protection from harmful practices.

SWIMS data presented at the summit revealed stark realities: over 20% of Ghanaian girls marry before the age of 18, with higher rates in rural areas. Additionally, many girls face sexual violence and drop out of school due to financial and cultural barriers. These findings underscored the urgent need for effective implementation of the Act.

The opening day drew participation from the Parliament, development partners, CSOs, NGOs, school children, academia, media traditional leaders, corporate bodies, and representatives from MDAs and MMDAs.

Source: MoGCSP