STAR-Ghana and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) held a national conference on the `status of the Ghanaian woman` on Friday 8th March 2019, to commemorate the 2019 International Women’s Day (IWD) .

The programme on the theme: “Balance for Better; Examining Progress and Prospects for Gender Equality in Ghana,” brought together stakeholders from the grass roots to the national level including the academia, policy makers, Civil Society Organisations, media, and women groups, to assess the progress of women over the past year for policy action.

Professor Agnes Apusigah, Chairperson of the Gender Equality and Social Protection Committee of the Governing Council of STAR Ghana Foundation Chaired the event. In her address, Prof. Apusigah shared information on antecident series of zonal dialogues organised by STAR Ghana Foundation that generated broader consultations with various women. She remarked:

“STAR Ghana Foundation convened a series of zonal dialogues across the country to draw on women’s voices on Ghana’s progress at gender equality and the prospects for the future. Quantitative and qualitative evidence of status per zone has been profiled and consolidated into key agenda for this event (national conference)” 

Dr Afisah Zakariah, Chief Director of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, acknowledged that generally, there had been significant improvements in the promotion of gender equality and women’s empowerment to bridge the gap that had existed over the years. She was however quick to add that:

“women are still under-represented in key areas including leadership and decision-making positions, as well as in the use of technology”

Professor Akua Kuenyehia, eminent Ghanaian and retired Judge of the International Criminal Court delivered the keynote address. She shared some issues for consideration as far as gender equality and women empowerment are concerned. She opined that traditional attitudes can only be changed through radical changes in attitude and character. She also asserted that good legislation must be accompanied by concrete strategies for women empowerment. She further indicated that the affirmative action bill is not an end in it self; and that it must help to correct the imbalances in systems.

Prof. Kuenyehia encouraged unity among all women in the quest for gender equality and women empowerment. She stated that:

“Advocacy must be done with commitment. Women must speak with one voice. Unity is important. We must unite to use our varied talents”

She called for a concerted effort among privileged women, to offer mentoring to underprivileged women and young girls. She remarked:

“We must step out of our comfort zones to reach out to women in the rural areas. We must provide mentoring and training for our girls”

Participants had the opportunity to provide feedback in breakout sessions around key thematic areas after a panel discussion which was moderated by Prof. Audrey Gadzekpo, member of the STAR Ghana Foundation Governing Council. The panel was formed with Nana Kwasi Agyekum Dwamena, Head of Civil Service; Prof. Agnes Apusigah, Member of STAR-Ghana Governing Council; and Amazing Grace Danso  of Pepperdem Ministries as members. 

Consensus was secured around key areas to engage women’s movement for change. These areas include pressing for the passage of an affirmative action law and implementation to correct gaps in women’s political representation and access to services and economic livelihoods.