TRAINING OF TRAINERS FOR MALE LEADERS IN THE TRANSPORTATION SECTOR ON GENDER EQUALITY, SRHR AND ENDING (SGBV) USING THE NATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR ENGAGING MEN AND BOYS

As part of taking gaint strides towards promoting gender equality in Ghana, the Department of Gender under the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP), in collaboration with UNFPA has organized a two-day Training of Trainers () for some selected male leaders in the transportation sector from Accra and Madina, to build their capacity inorder to serve as trainers and advocates for gender equality, SRHR and the elimination of SGBV in Accra.

Held on Tuesday, 23rd and Thursday, 24th July 2025, the workshop aimed to;

-Intoduce participants to the national framework and toolkit and build their capacity to deliver training to peers and subordinates.

-Get the male to become change agents within their professional community spaces

-Help establish a network of trained gender advocates within the informal transport sector in Accra.

In a keynote address on behalf of the Minister for the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, a Director at the Department of Gender, Madam Vera karikari stated that Gender equality involves not only protecting women’s rights but ensuring that everyone regardless of gender can contribute meaningfully to society and leave in society free from violence and discrimination.

She indicated that the male leaders in the transportation sector represent a critical demographic in the quest to achieve Gender equality in the country.

“Your influence can have the ability to shift the dominant norms and idea about gender equality and challenge the patriarchal beliefs and structures that drive inequalities between men and women in various societies,” she added

Madam Vera Karikari, after commending UNFPA for the consistent technical and financial support, urged the participants to approach the training with commitment and openness in order to drive a meaningful change in the end.

Speaking at the training on behalf of the Deputy Representative UNFPA, Madam Emily Naphambo, the National Programme Analyst-Gender UNFPA, Madam Selina Owusu expressed her gratitude to the MoGCSP for spearheading this initiative. She tasked the transport operators to harness the collective power of their voices and actions to advocate for a future where gender equality is not just an aspiration but lived reality for all.

The capacity building focused on deepening trainers’ understanding of gender concepts, power dynamics, SRHR issues, and the causes and consequences of SGBV.

It also emphasized the critical role men can play in supporting SRHR and creating safer public spaces, particularly within the transportation system

Participants examined the socialization of gender roles and the influence of cultural norms in perpetuating inequalities, particularly within the transport sector.

The training was guided by the National Framework for Engaging Men and Boys in Gender Equality and Ending SGBV.

In Accra, participants were drawn from Kaneshie, Nkrumah Circle, Tema Station, Rawlings Park, and Salaga Lorry Station. In Madina, the training targeted participants from Shiashie, Adentan, Haatso, Legon, and Madina Lorry Station.

Source: MoGCSP