The Women’s Voices Matter Movement has presented a petition to the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, urging government to pay greater attention to issues affecting women and the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms in the country.
The petition, presented on behalf of the group by Madam Akosua Manu, highlighted concerns including the protection of freedom of expression, the enforcement of women’s constitutional rights, implementation of the Affirmative Action Act, and the establishment of the proposed Women’s Development Bank.
Receiving the petition, the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, described the demonstration as a legitimate exercise of the group’s democratic rights and assured members that their concerns had been duly noted.
She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to advancing the rights and welfare of women, children, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups within its mandate.
Addressing concerns about the implementation of the Affirmative Action Act, Dr Lartey disclosed that the necessary committee and secretariat had already been established to facilitate the implementation process.
She further explained that efforts toward establishing the proposed Women’s Development Bank were being spearheaded by the Office of the Vice President in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
According to the Minister, government remains committed to ensuring the creation of the bank to support women’s economic empowerment and contribute to national development.
Dr Lartey also reiterated the Ministry’s readiness to engage stakeholders and work collaboratively to address challenges affecting women and other groups under its jurisdiction.
The Women’s Voices Matter Movement said the petition was intended to draw attention to issues it considers critical to the advancement of women’s rights and socio-economic development in Ghana.
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