A revised National Gender Policy covering 2025 to 2034 has been launched, setting out a new framework aimed at accelerating gender equality and embedding it across national development planning.
The policy, unveiled by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, is intended to guide efforts to expand women’s economic participation, strengthen access to justice and promote greater representation in leadership and governance.
Gender Minister Agnes Naa Momo Lartey said at the launch that the updated framework reflects the government’s commitment to building what she described as a more equitable society where women and men have equal access to opportunities, resources and decision-making power.
She framed gender equality as both a social obligation and an economic priority, arguing that inclusive policies are central to strengthening growth and social stability. The revised policy provides direction for mainstreaming gender considerations across ministries, departments and agencies, with a focus on implementation, gender-responsive budgeting and measurable accountability.
Covering a 10-year period, the document outlines six broad objectives, including women’s empowerment and livelihoods, access to justice, leadership and accountable governance, expanded economic opportunities, transformation of inequitable gender relations and protection of women and vulnerable groups during emergencies. It also reinforces the implementation of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024, which aims to increase women’s representation in public life.
Chief Director of the ministry Afisah Zakariah said effective implementation would depend on strong institutional coordination, adequate funding and sustained collaboration across government and with external partners. She called on public institutions to integrate the policy’s commitments into sector plans and performance frameworks.
The launch drew lawmakers, judiciary representatives, traditional and religious leaders, members of the diplomatic corps and development partners, including agencies within the United Nations system and ActionAid. Development partners said they would continue to support implementation of the policy, which will serve as the government’s overarching blueprint for institutionalising gender equality within governance and national development planning through 2034.
