Accra, Ghana – September 25, 2025:
The Secretariat of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), in partnership with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through the GIZ-African Union AWARE Project and Ipas Africa Alliance, has commenced a two-day Continental Workshop in Accra to promote the socio-economic rights of women, including those working in the extractive industries.
The workshop, running from September 25 to 26, 2025, brings together diverse stakeholders – including AU bodies, national human rights institutions (NHRIs), civil society organizations (CSOs), NGOs, academics, and private sector representatives from the extractive industries – to foster dialogue and develop strategies to advance women’s empowerment across Africa.
Delivering the opening statement on behalf of Ghana’s Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, the Director of the Department of Gender, Madam Faustina Acheampong, underscored the importance of the gathering in recognizing the contributions of women to national and continental development.
She highlighted Ghana’s progress in promoting gender equality, including the passage of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024 (Act 1121), which seeks to increase women’s representation and participation in decision-making at all levels. She also noted the ongoing review of the National Gender Policy (2025–2034) and key economic empowerment interventions such as the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) Programme, Ghana School Feeding Programme, and the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre’s support for women entrepreneurs.
“As part of President John Dramani Mahama’s resetting agenda, plans are underway to establish a Women’s Development Bank that will expand financial inclusion, provide affordable credit and strengthen economic independence for women, particularly those in underserved areas,” Madam Acheampong announced.
The workshop aims to raise awareness of the socio-economic rights of all women – including women with disabilities, elderly women, and young women – with a particular focus on education, health, and social protection. It also explores the critical intersection of reproductive justice and socio-economic empowerment.
Day one featured four panel sessions covering topics such as international and regional frameworks for women’s socio-economic rights, the link between reproductive justice and empowerment, the role of education in addressing disparities, and health and social protection as tools for achieving universal coverage and addressing vulnerabilities.
Participants are expected to develop actionable strategies to advance African Union instruments, tackle systemic barriers, and ensure that women, particularly those in rural and marginalized communities, are meaningfully included in socio-economic development efforts.
Madam Acheampong called on leaders and stakeholders to “create spaces where women’s leadership is nurtured and celebrated, where their voices influence policies, and where their innovations drive transformation,” emphasizing that Africa’s development cannot leave anyone behind based on gender.
The workshop continues today with further deliberations and experience sharing among participants.
Source: Clement Akoloh||africanewsradio.com
