ENGAGEMENT WITH CIVIL SOCIETY, TRADE UNION AND THE MEDIA ON IMPLEMENTING THE AFFIRMATIVE ACTION GENDER EQUITY ACT 2024 (Act 1121)

The passage of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024, marks a historic milestone in Ghana’s pursuit of inclusive governance. Anchored on constitutional principles and aligned with international commitments, the Act represents a decisive step toward dismantling systemic barriers to women’s full participation in political, economic, and social life.

To build momentum for implementation, the FES Ghana Office, in partnership with ABANTU for Development (host institution for the AA Law Coalition), organised a two-day workshop from 5th to 6th June 2025 for civil society actors, media representatives, and trade unions. The workshop explored the Act’s provisions and practical strategies for effective implementation. It also addressed the critical roles of political institutions and civil society.

Discussions highlighted both the transformative potential of the Act and the challenges ahead, ranging from socio-cultural resistance and institutional capacity gaps to resource constraints and public misconceptions. Participants agreed that sustained advocacy, strategic partnerships, and continuous public education will be critical to turning this landmark law into real and lasting change.

Key Highlights

1. Legislative milestone: Passage of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024.

2. Advocacy matters: Decade-long lobbying and coalition-building enabled success.

3. Representation gap: Women are still underrepresented in politics and leadership.

4. Capacity gaps: Institutions lack resources, training, and sex-disaggregated data.

5. Structural barriers: Patriarchy, stereotypes, and union/employer resistance persist.

6. Misconceptions: Seen by some as tokenistic or “women-only.”

General Recommendations

1. Inclusive measures: Target all women, including rural and disabled groups.

2. Training: Build advanced advocacy, lobbying, and leadership skills.

3. Institutional support: Resource MDAs, local assemblies, and the GEC.

4. Data systems: Standardize sex-disaggregated data and reporting.

5. Public engagement: Run awareness campaigns and workplace dialogues.

6. Legislative action: Fast-track the Legislative Instrument (L.I.)