Gender ministry dedicates 6th annual summit to Affirmative Action Act

The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has since 2019 led an annual summit that seeks to address social issues in a bid to promote equality, protection and empowerment within the Ghanaian society. 

During the summits, stakeholders from different sectors converge to exchange ideas and map out actionable plans that ensure that Ghana becomes a more inclusive society.

Each year, the summit not only highlights critical challenges but also showcases innovative solutions and collaborative efforts, ensuring that the voices of the most vulnerable are amplified in national discourse. 

The dialogues and progressive themes have positioned these summits as instrumental in driving policy reforms and mobilising resources for marginalised populations.

Historical Themes and Impact

The 2019 theme which was the inaugural summit was on "Promoting Social Inclusion: Leave No One Behind."

It centered on social inclusion, promoting the idea of “leaving no one behind” in the quest for development. The event casts a light on systemic barriers marginalised groups including women, children and persons with disabilities face.

The deliberations led to a reinvigorated pledge to remain united in crafting inclusive policies and programs for inclusivity.

In 2020, the summit was on "Strengthening Social Protection for Vulnerable Populations."

In response to the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 summit pivoted towards social protection to address the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasising safety nets for those mostly at risk. Stakeholders discussed the need to introduce adaptive social protection programmes, prepared on an emergency basis to respond and mitigate crisis-driven conditions that deteriorate economic reliance; The restraints begot new and expanded programmes, like COVID-19 relief campaigns that furthers the fortitude of the underprivileged during times of need. 

This led to the formulation of expanded programmes, including COVID-19 relief initiatives, aimed at bolstering the resilience of marginalised groups in the face of adversity.

The 2021 summit was themed  "Innovations for Service Delivery."

The summit discussed new ways of improving human service through social protection and gender equity. 

Participants exchanged information, best practices and technology-related solutions that can facilitate access to services for those left behind. 

This focused on innovation catalyzed new partnerships and creative strategies that aimed to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of social services, ultimately contributing to better outcomes for all citizens

The  2022 theme which was "Strengthening Resource Mobilisation for Effective Social Service Delivery," recognising that adequate resources are vital for implementing social services effectively, it focused on strategies for strengthening resource mobilisation. 

Stakeholders discussed various funding models and collaborative approaches to ensure that social programmes are sustainable and impactful. The summit underscored the importance of partnerships between government, civil society, and the private sector in achieving comprehensive social service delivery.

Last years theme which was "Sustainable Social Protection: A Key to Financial Inclusion for the Vulnerable," focused on sustainable social protection and financial inclusion for vulnerable groups.

Conversations reinforced that inclusive social protection systems can create an enabling space for those furthest behind to access financial opportunities, live protected lives and break the poverty cycle. 

By fostering inclusive financial systems, the summit aimed to create pathways for economic empowerment and resilience.

This year the theme "Exploring the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024," builds on the momentum of previous years.

It introduces a vital new focus with the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024.This milestone underscores Ghana's commitment to advancing gender parity and fostering inclusion across political, economic, educational, and social domains.

The theme for this year's summit embodies the ministry's dedication to creating a more equitable society.

This accomplishment demonstrates Ghana's dedication to promoting inclusiveness and gender equity in the political, economic, educational, and social spheres. 

The Ministry's commitment to fostering a more equal society is embodied in this year's summit.