Accra, Ghana – May 8, 2025 — In a decisive move to bolster gender equality and inclusive governance, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), the Parliament of Ghana, and with funding from the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), has concluded a two-day capacity-building workshop for female Members of Parliament.
The workshop, held in the wake of Ghana’s passage of the historic Affirmative Action Act, 2024, was designed to enhance the leadership, policy advocacy, and civic engagement skills of women legislators, particularly first-time MPs.
With women occupying just 14.5% (40 out of 276) of parliamentary seats, the initiative marks a significant step toward bridging the gender gap in political leadership.
Kathleen Addy, Chairperson of the NCCE, emphasised the role of civic education in strengthening democratic institutions.
Empowering female legislators with knowledge of the Affirmative Action Act and advocacy skills is key to deepening our democracy, she said.
We remain committed to inclusive participation and constitutional governance.
Speaking on behalf of the UNDP, Edward Ampratwum, Head of Inclusive Growth and Accountable Governance, reiterated the agency’s commitment to advancing gender equity.
This workshop goes beyond capacity building; it’s about investing in a future where women are recognised as equal partners in shaping policy, he noted.
Clara Osei Boateng, Governance Advisor at FCDO Ghana, hailed the collaboration as a model for inclusive development.
Supporting female MPs goes beyond representation—it’s about improving lives in communities across Ghana, she stated.
The training covered critical areas including the provisions of the Affirmative Action Act, gender-sensitive budgeting, and digital tools for civic engagement.
Through interactive case studies and practical exercises, participants gained tools to effectively advocate for policies that benefit women, children, and marginalised communities.
Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection and MP for Krowor, described the workshop as “truly impactful,” particularly for MPs unaware of the Act’s recent passage.
We can now move forward as a united front, sharing ideas and ensuring the Act delivers real benefits, she affirmed.
Echoing the sentiment, Hon. Mavis Nkansah Boadu, MP for Afigya Sekyere East, praised the focus on practical strategies.
Learning about gender-responsive budgeting and digital advocacy has been eye-opening. These are tools we can take back to Parliament to shape policies that reflect the real needs of our constituents.
This collaborative initiative signals a renewed commitment to inclusive governance in Ghana. By investing in the leadership of women in Parliament, UNDP and its partners are laying the groundwork for more equitable and sustainable national development.