“We understand that the road to equality is not always smooth, but we know and hope that by working hand in hand, we will go far,” she said.

Ms Newman made the call at the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MOGCSP) summit held in

 Accra on Thursday.

It was under the theme, “Pro­moting Equality and Inclusive Development through the Affir­mative Action (Gender Equality) Act, 2024.”

The aim of the summit was to address ensuing disparities in political, economic, educational, and social protection, particularly for marginalised groups such as women, children (especially girls), and persons with disabilities.

According to Ms Newman, while her ministry was working to improve child rights implemen­tation, social protection for the vulnerable, social services, and disability inclusion, the passage of the Affirmative Action Act, was one of its key achievements.

She explained that the passage of the Affirmative Action Act rep­resented the commitment of the government to increasing women’s participation in decision-making process.

Similarly, Ms Newman stated that the passage of the Act was a fulfilment of the commitment of the government to fulfil its prior action for the World Bank support for government’s Development Policy Operations.

“In terms of education, gender inequalities persist with Ghana ranking 108 out of 146 in the 2022 Gender Inequality Index (GII), with girls’ enrolment in second­ary schools at 39 per cent lagging behind boys at 45.6 per cent”, she said.

“The Affirmative Action Act, 2024, is therefore, a critical step toward reducing these disparities, creating a future where girls have equal access to opportunities and can fully participate in national development,” she added.

The Chief Director of MOGC­SP, Dr Afisah Zakaraiah, on her part said this year’s summit would provide update on work done and solicit stakeholders input for effective roll out of new bills and policies such as the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act 2024 (Act 1121).

Also, she added that it served as a platform to update the ministry’s partners and the general public on work done so far in the areas of gender equality and women empowerment, child rights promo­tion, protection and development and social development.

The UNICEF Representative OIC in Ghana, Mr Fiachra McA­sey, said a high number of children globally were caught in humanitari­an catastrophes, including chal­lenges like poverty, inequality, and discrimination which violate the rights of children.

He said despite it being diffi­cult to be a child in today’s world, UNICEF was grateful for MOGC­SP’s tireless efforts in delivering on commitments for children, for em­powering the ministry, departments and agencies, and also joining the National Children’s Parliament at the launch of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equality) which would advance children’s rights as well as gender equality.