Report By: Ishmael Barfi
As the world celebrates this year’s 2024 World Children’s Day and the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, of 2024, the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has inaugurated a two-day summit.
The ongoing two-day Summit, 20-21st November 2024 at the Labadi Beach Hotel under the theme: “Promoting Equality and Inclusive Development through the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024,” aims to evaluate progress in gender equality, child rights, and social development, while fostering collaboration among stakeholders for future initiatives.
The Summit hosted the 6th sitting of the National Children’s Parliament, where children discussed their rights and gender equity to mark this year’s World Children’s Day, under the theme: “Our Future, Our Voice: Listening to a Future for Affirmative Action.”
Cross Section of children at the Summit
Addressing children and high-profile dignitaries at the Summit, donor agencies, stakeholders, and partners, Dr. Afisah Zakariah, Chief Director of MoGCSP, reiterated the need to update them on the advancements made in 2024 and call for more input for the implementations of the new policy.
And used the Summit to acknowledge the numerous contributions and support received from partners, such as the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), UNICEF, the World Bank, Plan International, and Ubuntu Development among others.
Representing the Parliamentary Select Committee on Employment and Social Welfare, the Chairman
Hon. Emmanuel Agyei Anhweremp, MP for Atwima Nwabiagya South hailed the Affirmative Action Act as a transformative legislative milestone.
According to him, promoting equality involves removing barriers to women’s participation in society and ensuring inclusive national development. He added that “Empowering women is not a favor; it is an investment in humanity,” urging collective efforts to challenge stereotypes and eliminate discrimination.
Cross Section of dignitaries at the Summit
Delivering a solidarity message, UNICEF’s Representative OIC in Ghana, Fiachra McAsey, pointed out that global and local challenges such as poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation threaten children’s rights.
Therefore, he accepted the need for urgent action to protect the well-being of millions of children, especially in vulnerable communities.
“The Affirmative Action Act is a crucial step toward increasing women and girls’ meaningful participation in underrepresented sectors”, Fiachra McAsey acknowledged.
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
