The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has held the inaugural National Men’s Conference on Positive Masculinity, marking a major step in redefining how men and boys contribute to gender equality, peace, and social justice in Ghana.
Speaking to a full auditorium, the Minister for Gender, Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, warmly welcomed dignitaries including members of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Gender, chief directors, the Australian High Commissioner, leaders of ministries and agencies, UN representatives, development partners, civil society organizations, traditional and faith leaders, transport union executives, academia, the media, and students.
“It is not just a good morning—it is a beautiful and memorable one,” she said, signaling the importance of the moment.
Dr. Lartey described the conference as a long-awaited platform for engaging men and boys as key partners in ending sexual and gender-based violence. She explained that although national data often focuses on the vulnerabilities of women and girls, men and boys also face significant pressures—harmful social expectations, mental health challenges, substance abuse, unemployment, and cultural silence around male emotional struggles.
She emphasized that positive masculinity is not about reducing the role of men, but about creating supportive environments where they can express themselves freely, seek help confidently, and lead with empathy, responsibility, and respect.
The Minister highlighted Ghana’s policy progress, pointing to the Affirmative Action Gender Equity Act, the Social Protection Act, and the updated National Gender Policy. These align with the Kinshasa Declaration and the Call to Action on Positive Masculinity, adopted by African Heads of State in 2021 and reaffirmed in Dakar and Addis Ababa.
“Positive masculinity strengthens—not weakens—the leadership of men,” she affirmed.
She also outlined key initiatives already rolled out by the ministry, including nationwide mentorship programs for boys and girls, men’s and boys’ clubs, a national framework for engaging men and boys, and digital tools like the Orange Support Center and BwaMi mobile app for rapid response to gender-based violence. Domestic violence response centers and trained paralegals in markets further support survivors at the community level.
Dr. Lartey acknowledged a growing reality: violence affects everyone. Men and boys are increasingly experiencing abuse as well, making an inclusive advocacy strategy essential.
She called on men to serve as role models and champions of equality, citing His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana and AU Gender Champion, as a strong example of positive masculine leadership.
“Harmful norms must be confronted. Silence must be broken. Communities must stand united against all forms of gender-based violence,” she urged. “Laws alone cannot change society—mindsets must change.”
In closing, she encouraged all stakeholders to work together to build a Ghana where women, men, girls, boys, and persons with disabilities live with safety, dignity, and equality.
She expressed deep appreciation to UNFPA, UN Women AU Link Ghana, and all development partners for their technical and financial support.
“In your presence here today,” she said, “women find assurance that men stand with them, committed to ending gender-based violence.”
Story by: Ernest Frimpong
