MINISTER FOR GENDER PARTICIPATES IN OPENING SESSION OF REGIONAL CONSULTATIONS ON DRAFT MODEL LAW ON GENDER EQUALITY AND EQUITY

The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, participated in the opening session of the Regional Consultations on the Draft Model Law on Gender Equality and Equity, which opened in Accra on Monday, 8th September 2025.

The four-day meeting, organized by the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) Committee on Gender, Family, Youth and People with Disability, runs from 8th to 11th September in Accra.

The Draft Model Law seeks to provide a comprehensive and uniform legal framework for African Union Member States to address gender inequality. It is designed to harmonize international and regional commitments, such as the Maputo Protocol and CEDAW, and translate them into actionable national laws.

Its rationale is to bridge the gap between Africa’s progressive commitments on women’s rights and their implementation, while tackling barriers such as discriminatory laws and socio-cultural practices.

The consultations aim to solicit contributions from stakeholders, refine the Draft Law to align with continental and global priorities, share best practices, and build advocacy coalitions for domestication and implementation across Member States.

Key principles embedded in the Draft Law include equality and non-discrimination, elimination of gender-based violence and harmful practices, equal participation and empowerment, access to justice, economic empowerment, and health and reproductive rights.

Delivering her statement, Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey commended the Pan-African Parliament for initiating the process, describing it as a bold demonstration of Africa’s commitment to gender justice and inclusive development.

She outlined Ghana’s recent progress in advancing equality, including the passage of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024, the Social Protection Act, 2025, and Cabinet’s approval of the revised National Gender Policy (2023–2032).

The meeting is expected to generate concrete recommendations to guide Member States in adopting and adapting the Draft Model Law into their national legal systems, thereby accelerating gender-responsive reforms and ensuring that no one is left behind in Africa’s development agenda.

Source: MoGCSP