In a powerful declaration resonating across the continent, Ghana’s Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, positioned Ghanaian women not just as vital contributors, but as essential agents of sustainable development during the inaugural Women in Sustainability Africa (WiSA) Summit. Held on thursday May 1st under the theme, “The Role of Women as a Source of Labour and Agents of Sustainability,” the summit served as a critical platform to elevate the discourse on integrating gender equality into Africa’s future.
The high-level gathering, which convened policymakers, development partners, and gender advocates from across the region, highlighted what many on the ground already know: sustainable progress in Africa is simply unattainable without the full and empowered participation of its women. Discussions rightly centred on crafting inclusive policies and strategic programmes that genuinely empower women to lead sustainability efforts, from boardrooms to farmlands.
Addressing the summit, Minister Lartey underscored Ghana’s unwavering commitment to this vision. She articulated that the government, through her Ministry, is actively weaving gender perspectives into the very fabric of national development strategies. She pointed to Ghana’s National Gender Policy (2015) not merely as a document, but as a living framework dedicated to providing women, including those with disabilities who are often marginalized, with secure livelihoods and tangible economic opportunities. For countless women balancing the responsibilities of home, community, and economic survival, such foundational policies offer a beacon of hope and a pathway to stability.
Significantly, the Minister also shed light on the proactive steps being taken to involve men and boys in this important journey. The development of a national framework and toolkit to engage them on gender equality is a forward-thinking move. By equipping men and boys to become advocates for change, Ghana is addressing the roots of inequality and fostering a societal shift where gender equality is seen as everyone’s responsibility, not just a women’s issue.
In a nod to recent legislative progress, Hon. Dr. Lartey celebrated the passage of the Affirmative Action Act. This landmark legislation is poised to break down barriers, paving the way for increased representation of women in decision-making spaces, a critical step towards a truly inclusive and sustainable society where diverse voices shape the future.
Beyond policy frameworks, the Minister detailed concrete initiatives demonstrating the link between social protection and sustainability. The Ghana School Feeding Programme, often lauded for its impact on child nutrition and education, was highlighted for its dual benefit: supporting local agricultural production and, crucially, empowering women farmers who form the backbone of many rural economies. This programme exemplifies how social safety nets can simultaneously drive economic empowerment and bolster local sustainability.
Looking ahead, Minister Lartey revealed a vital collaboration between her Ministry, the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Their joint effort to ensure Ghana’s National Adaptation Plan for climate change incorporates gender-responsive strategies is particularly is important. Women and marginalized groups are often disproportionately affected by climate impacts, and tailoring adaptation efforts to address their specific vulnerabilities and leverage their unique knowledge is essential for effective and equitable climate resilience.
Ghana’s participation and presentation at the WiSA Summit serve as a powerful reminder that empowering women is not just a matter of social justice, but a fundamental prerequisite for building a sustainable, resilient, and prosperous Africa. As the continent grapples with development challenges and climate change, placing women at the heart of solutions, backed by robust policy and practical initiatives, is not just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do. Ghana’s commitment, as articulated by Minister Lartey, offers a compelling model for others to follow.