IN A COMPELLING address at the Conflict Prevention and Sustainable Peace Forum held at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to amplifying women’s voices in democratic and political transitions.
The forum, themed “Amplifying Women’s Voices in Democratic and Political Transitions,” was supported by the Australian Government in partnership with the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) and the West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network (WADEMOS).
Dr. Naa Momo Lartey posited that women are not merely victims of conflict but are powerful agents of peace. She underscored the necessity of building women’s capacities, particularly at the local level, to enable meaningful participation in decision-making and conflict resolution processes.
“Women’s participation in peacebuilding is not just a moral obligation; it is a strategic necessity for achieving lasting peace,” she stated.
Highlighting the significance of Ghana’s Affirmative Action Act, passed in July 2024 after nearly two decades of advocacy, Dr. Naa Momo Lartey noted that the legislation aims to eliminate systemic barriers that have historically limited women’s participation in governance and society.
The Act mandates a minimum of 30% female representation in governance and decision-making roles by 2026, with a target of 50% by 2030.
However, the Gender Minister acknowledged that the impact of the Act would only be realized through full implementation. She pledged to address institutional and financial barriers hindering women’s political participation, including the establishment of a Gender Equity Committee and sub-committees to ensure initiatives align with the Act.
The Minister also called for the dismantling of structural inequalities, cultural barriers, and gender biases that limit women’s advancement. She emphasized the importance of mentorship programmes and strengthened partnerships with civil society organizations, educational institutions, and international bodies to drive change.
The forum provided a valuable platform to share best practices, review existing policies, and strengthen collaborations aimed at advancing gender equality in political transitions and conflict contexts.
GenderMinister, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey’s remarks serve as a rallying cry for stakeholders to translate commitments into concrete actions, to ensuring that women are empowered to contribute fully to peacebuilding and democratic processes in Ghana and beyond.
Source: Nationaltyme.com
