Women must support each other to achieve success – Dr Momo Lartey

The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP), Naa Momo Lartey, has emphasised the need for women to uplift one another rather than being overly critical, in order to achieve their goals.

"We as women, in our quest for excellence, need not to be overly critical of ourselves, such that we lose hope. What we need is to work together," she stated.

She acknowledged that while criticism has its place, the priority should be fostering collaboration to amplify women's voices and ensure their concerns are effectively represented.

"Criticisms are important, but more so we work together to amplify our voices and ensure that in all spheres, the voices of women and our issues are well represented and articulated," she added.

Lartey made these remarks during the Ministry’s health walk on March 7 to commemorate International Women’s Day, which is observed annually on March 8.

"If we can't support each other to achieve this, no one will do this for us," she said.

She recognised the vital contributions of women, noting that the walk was not just a physical activity but a symbolic gesture affirming that women must not be left behind.

Lartey further stated that the event was intended to send a strong message about the importance of making women's voices heard, acknowledging their efforts, and ensuring they receive due recognition and rewards.

She also highlighted the commitment of Ghana’s first female Vice President, Professor Nana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, to creating opportunities for more women to ascend to leadership roles.

According to Lartey, this was an opportunity women must seize, as it provided hope and motivation to keep them moving forward.

Addressing systemic barriers

Speaking on behalf of the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Charles Abani, the UNFPA Representative, Dr Wilfred Ochan, noted that for far too long, women and girls have faced systemic obstacles, discriminatory laws, and social norms that hinder their full potential.

"They have been denied access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, simply because of their gender," he stated.

Dr Ochan emphasised that women and girls are not merely victims of circumstance but key agents of change, serving as the backbone of families and communities, and playing a vital role in sustainable development, peace, and prosperity.

He stressed the need to prioritise women's empowerment by creating an environment where they can thrive, free from violence, discrimination, and marginalisation.

Achieving this, he explained, requires equal access to education, economic opportunities, and healthcare, as well as the elimination of all forms of violence and discrimination.

"We must also recognise the importance of intersectionality. Women and girls with disabilities, those from minority groups, and those living in poverty face even greater barriers to empowerment. The kayayei girls are just but one of those most in need. That is why we must work together to create a world where all women and girls can exercise their rights, enjoy equal opportunities, and reach their full potential," he said.

Dr Ochan stressed the importance of amplifying women's voices to ensure their perspectives and experiences are heard and valued, while also challenging patriarchal norms to build a more just and equitable society.

"We believe that working together with male-dominated institutions, such as traditional and religious institutions, the transport sector, and engaging men and boys, will create partnerships that break down patriarchy to find solutions that are acceptable and sustainable," he added.