Women in media challenged to drive implementation of Affirmative Action law

By: Rachel Kakraba

The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, has encouraged women in the media to be instrumental in the effective implementation of the Affirmative Action Act (Gender Equity) Act, 2024. This is to engender sustained commitment, effective monitoring and accountability to ensure that the law does not remain merely a piece of legislation on paper but benefits the public.

The sector minister, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, was speaking at a capacity-building workshop organised by the Gender Equity Committee Secretariat of the Ministry for Women in the media, in Accra. The engagement deepened participant’s understanding of the Act and strengthened collaboration towards its effective implementation.

Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey

Dr. Lartey, noted that the media plays an important role in shaping public opinion and national development and commended participants for the enthusiasm.

She stated that the success of the Affirmative Action Act will ultimately not be determined by its passage alone, but when Ghanaians are able to see and experience the change it promises.

“We are humbled that you are taking on this great responsibility to make sure that the Affirmative Action Act is translated into real action where Ghanaians and those it’s meant to serve will actually feel it”

She acknowledged concerns that some women may have become accustomed to existing inequalities because they have not been exposed to alternative possibilities.

“I’ve heard the concerns that some women are comfortable with the situation. Sometimes when you don’t see the options so clearly, you become so comfortable with what you see because it becomes the norm.”

The Minister explained that exposing women to opportunities and showing them what greater participation could mean for future generations could help create a stronger awareness of their potential contribution to society.

“But when you are given the other option and what it stands and what it means in terms of generations to come, then you begin to live in awareness, and then you are looking at what you can also contribute to make the world a better place.”

Dr. Lartey, expressed optimism about President John Dramani Mahama’s upcoming AU chairmanship role next year which she said will be used to advance women’s participation in leadership and development across the continent.

Dr. Charity Binka, the Chair of the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), and also Board Chair of the New Times Corporation, underscored the critical role of the media in sustaining public interest on the implementation of the law, stressing that the passage of the legislation is only the beginning.

“The real test is no longer the passage of the law, it is its effective implementation, we all know, passing a law is different from living it. Implementation is where many laws fail and where the media must not fail, that is why we are here. We need to push our agenda as women in the media”

Dr. Binka, mentioned that despite the passage of the law, Ghana is yet to achieve the 30 percent women representation in key decision-making positions, which she said calls for intensified efforts to accelerate progress towards gender equality.

“We are already in 2026, and it’s almost coming to an end, are we getting the 30 percent we are looking for? The answer is no, which means that we have a lot of work to do”

She urged media practitioners particularly women to deepen their understanding of the Affirmative Action law and play a leading role in promoting its effective implementation.

She stressed that understanding the obligations the law places on public and private sector institutions, as well as the mechanisms available for monitoring implementation will ultimately ensure success of its implementation.

“Let us remember that affirmative action is not about replacing merit with gender, it is about addressing structural barriers that have historically prevented qualified women from having equal opportunities to participate and lead. The implementation of the Affirmative Action Act will require women to stand together, work across sectors, share knowledge, mentor one another, and collectively demand accountability”

Dr. Binka, said the passage of the Act, has opened an important door and the responsibility now is to ensure that the door remains open for the thousands of women and girls across Ghana to walk through it, participate, lead, and contribute fully to national development.

The Chief Director of the Ministry, Dr. Marian Kpakpah, was hopeful the engagement will ensure the media contributes to the successful implementation of the law.

“We know that women in the media occupy a unique position. As journalists, editors, broadcasters, content creators, you are able to influence national conversations, shape public attitudes, and determine which issues remain visible in the public domain or not. We also know that you’ll be able to help us in this process to bring the act to the doorsteps of everyone”

Dr. Kpakpah, encouraged practitioners to be intentional in promoting informed debate, challenge harmful stereotypes, hold institutions accountable and tell the stories behind the statistics, and help translate policies into issues that resonate with citizens and inspire action.

She said the meeting is an opportunity for the media to build an established relationship with the ministry which will go a long way in supporting the ministry in delivering on its mandate.

Participants renewed their commitment to supporting effective implementation through awareness creation, monitoring of progress and advocating for meaningful participation of women in leadership and decision-making positions.

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