Gender Minister calls for overhaul of workplace rules to prioritise talent over gender

Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, has urged a fundamental rewrite of Ghana’s workplace engagement rules to ensure that opportunities are determined by talent rather than gender.

Speaking at the “She Build Conference” in Accra on Thursday, Dr Lartey said sustainable progress could only be achieved by investing in education, health, enterprise, and leadership opportunities for women and girls.

“Women are capable but underutilised, visible yet undervalued. It is time to redefine power and change mindsets, from seeing women as beneficiaries to recognising them as equal partners,” she stressed.

The conference, organised by the Academic Woman Foundation, convened women from academia, law, engineering, entrepreneurship, and the built environment under the theme “Where women are, Where are we going, and What we need to do.” It provided a platform for accomplished women to share their experiences and inspire younger participants to pursue leadership roles in male-dominated fields.

Dr Lartey emphasised that power must embody influence, impact, and inclusion, noting: “Power must not be a privilege of a few; it must be a shared capacity of many.” While acknowledging Ghana’s strides in amplifying women’s voices, she pointed out that harmful practices, stereotypes, and economic exclusion continue to limit women’s full participation.

“When women step fully into their power, communities thrive, societies prosper, and nations rise,” she said, adding that placing women at the centre of decision-making and innovation was not symbolic but a national development strategy.

Dr Anatu Mahama, Founder of the Academic Woman Foundation, said the She Build Conference aimed to encourage women to pursue education, especially in male-dominated fields, and to elevate their career aspirations. She called for greater visibility of women in workplaces to serve as role models for young girls.

Professor Lydia Aziato, Vice Chancellor of the University of Health and Allied Sciences, noted that the number of women in leadership positions remained low due to factors such as unfair workplace evaluations. She encouraged women to strengthen networks, embrace change, set realistic goals, and build confidence in their abilities.

Prof Aziato further urged women to be proactive, develop their skills, and seize opportunities to advance into leadership.