The 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) is just around the corner, and Ghana is gearing up to make a significant impact at the global gathering. In a strategic move to coordinate the country's participation, Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, recently organised a briefing meeting with members of Ghana's delegation to CSW70. The meeting, which took place in Accra, aimed to align Ghana's national priorities with global commitments to advance gender equality and strengthen access to justice for women and girls.
According to Dr Lartey, the briefing meeting was crucial in ensuring that Ghana's delegation is well-prepared to engage with other countries and stakeholders at CSW70. "We want to make sure that our delegation is equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively advocate for Ghana's interests and priorities," she said.
"Our goal is to promote inclusive and equitable legal systems for women and girls, and we believe that CSW70 provides a unique opportunity for us to learn from others, share our experiences, and contribute to the global conversation on gender equality."
Aligning National Priorities with Global Commitments
The meeting reviewed the priority theme of CSW70, which focuses on the empowerment of women and girls in the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Dr Lartey emphasized the importance of aligning Ghana's national priorities with global commitments, saying that "we need to ensure that our policies and programs are consistent with international standards and best practices." The delegation also discussed ways to strengthen access to justice for women and girls, including the need to address gender-based violence, promote women's rights, and support the development of inclusive and equitable legal systems.
Dr Lartey noted that Ghana has made significant progress in promoting gender equality and women's empowerment in recent years. "We have implemented several initiatives aimed at supporting women's economic empowerment, promoting girls' education, and addressing gender-based violence," she said.
"However, we recognize that there is still much work to be done, and we are committed to continuing our efforts to promote gender equality and women's empowerment in all aspects of Ghanaian society."
Preparing for CSW70
The briefing meeting also enabled the delegation to clarify roles and responsibilities, identify priority advocacy issues, and prepare for planned side events and bilateral engagements during CSW70. According to Dr Lartey, the delegation will engage in a series of meetings and discussions with other countries, UN agencies, and civil society organisations to promote Ghana's interests and priorities. "We will be advocating for increased support for women's economic empowerment, improved access to education and healthcare for girls, and strengthened protection for women and girls against violence and discrimination," she said.
The delegation will also participate in several side events, including a high-level panel discussion on the empowerment of women and girls in the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Dr Lartey said that "we are excited to share our experiences and learn from others, and we believe that CSW70 will provide a unique opportunity for us to promote Ghana's interests and priorities on the global stage."
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ghana's delegation to CSW70 is well-prepared to make a significant impact at the global gathering. Under the leadership of Minister Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, the delegation is committed to promoting inclusive and equitable legal systems for women and girls, advancing gender equality, and strengthening access to justice for women and girls. As Dr Lartey said, "we are confident that CSW70 will provide a unique opportunity for us to learn from others, share our experiences, and contribute to the global conversation on gender equality." With its strong delegation and clear priorities, Ghana is poised to make a lasting impression at CSW70 and to promote its interests and priorities on the global stage.
