The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has called for stronger collaboration and networking among Ghanaian participants attending the 70th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) in New York.

According to the Minister, building stronger connections among Ghanaian stakeholders at the global conference is essential to sustaining collective efforts to advance gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls beyond the event.

Dr Lartey made the call during a series of engagements with Ghanaian delegates, civil society organisations (CSOs), youth groups and gender advocates participating in the conference from Ghana and the diaspora.

The meeting formed part of efforts by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection to create a platform for participants to exchange ideas, share experiences, and strengthen partnerships aimed at advancing Ghana’s gender agenda.

As part of the engagements, the Minister first met with a group of young women drawn from local and international civil society and advocacy groups, where discussions focused on issues affecting girls and women.

Key concerns raised during the discussions included online body shaming, sexualisation on digital platforms, digital violence, and the need to strengthen justice mechanisms for victims of gender-based violence.

Dr Lartey also used the opportunity to outline policy interventions and programmes being implemented by the Ministry to protect women and girls and promote inclusive development.

She later engaged more than 100 Ghanaian participants attending the conference from Ghana and the diaspora, including representatives from civil society organisations, academia, labour unions and gender advocacy groups.

The engagement, she explained, was intended to establish a network of Ghanaian stakeholders who can continue to collaborate with the Ministry beyond the conference to strengthen initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality.

Participants welcomed the initiative and commended the Minister for creating a platform that encourages stronger collaboration among stakeholders working to advance the rights and empowerment of women and girls.

Dr Lartey further reiterated the government’s commitment under the leadership of John Dramani Mahama to strengthen the gender sector and ensure that Ghana’s participation in international platforms yields meaningful outcomes for women and girls.

The Minister is expected to continue engaging stakeholders throughout the conference as part of efforts to deepen partnerships and advance gender equality.