In a significant step towards fostering a more equitable society, a groundbreaking training program
for Male Leaders in the Transportation Sector, aimed at promoting gender equality and combating sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), was held today in Accra.
The initiative, supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), saw enthusiastic participation from Executives of GPRTU-Various branches, and Executives of National Commercial National Motor Riders Union underscoring a growing commitment to these critical issues.
Ms Selina Owusu, National Programme Analyst, Delivering remarks on behalf of the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey commended the attendees for their dedication. “It is an honuor to join you today for this important training of traders as you take the time strides towards
promoting gender equality in Ghana,” Dr. Lartey’s representative stated. “Today’s training is to equip you with important skills to promote gender equality, sexual and reproductive health rights, and end sexual and gender-based violence in your respective fields of work.”
The Minister acknowledged the participants’ sacrifice of commercial activities to attend, highlighting their presence as a clear demonstration of their commitment to achieving gender equality in Ghana. She emphasized the Ministry’s proactive approach, noting several initiatives undertaken to actively include men and boys in its mandate.
Engaging Men and Boys: A National Priority
A key highlight of the Ministry’s efforts, undertaken with UNFPA support, is the development of a national framework and toolkit for engaging men and boys on
ending sexual and gender-based violence. This comprehensive guide will serve as a national standard for all engagements with men and boys across various levels.
“Gender equality is not just a goal for us; it is a fundamental human right that is crucial for creating a fair and just society,” the Minister’s representative asserted. She stressed the importance of a society where “the rights, responsibilities, and opportunities of individuals will not depend on whether they are males or females or other intersectionalities.”
Beyond Women’s Issues: A Call for Universal Contribution
Dispelling common misconceptions, Dr. Lartey’s remarks clarified that gender equality extends beyond merely protecting women’s rights. “It is about ensuring that everyone… can meaningfully contribute to society, follow their dreams, and live in a
society free of violence and discrimination.” She reiterated that “both men and boys, girls and women have the right to live to their full potential.”
While acknowledging significant progress made by the Government of Ghana in promoting gender equality, the Minister pointed out persistent disparities, particularly in socio-economic participation and the rights of women and girls. Cultural barriers, including patriarchy, ingrained gender norms, and limited access to resources, continue to impede the full participation of women and girls, especially in rural and underserved communities where social norms are more rigid and access to information and services is limited.
Male Champions: Catalysts for Change
Addressing the male participants directly,
the Minister’s representative hailed them as “critical demographic in our quest to achieve gender equality in Ghana.” She emphasized their pivotal role as “key influences in your communities and households,” highlighting that their “support and leadership will provide a powerful opportunity to shift attitudes and challenge harmful social norms.”
The training empowers these male champions with the ability to “shift the dominant laws and ideas about gender equality and check the patriarchal beliefs and structures that are driving inequality between women and men.” This, she noted, will ultimately “promote a just and equitable society where both men and women can thrive.”
A Movement for Gender Justice in Transportation
Specifically addressing those from the transportation sector, including senior members and drivers, the Minister stated, “By applying the knowledge applied here, you are worthy ambassadors to this cause, and can positively impact the knowledge to your colleagues and all men and boys in your circles.”
The Ministry expressed gratitude to the UNFPA for their “continuous technical and financial support” in making this vital training possible. Participants were urged to fully engage with the program, with the aim of driving a stronger movement of gender champions within the transportation sector to “stand on the forefront of gender justice and contribute to the attainment of sustainable development.”
A statement delivered by Vera Karkari
Beðiako on behalf of Emily Naphambo, UNFPA Deputy Country Representative, emphasized the sector’s crucial socio-economic role while acknowledging its history of gender disparities.
“Gender equality is not merely a goal to be achieved but a fundamental human right that underpins sustainable development and social progress,” stated Owusu, reading Naphambo’s address. She stressed that the transportation sector, as a key conduit for trade and mobility, must transform.
Key Points from the UNFPA Statement:
1. Essential Male Engagement: UNFPA declared the active involvement of male leaders “essential” in challenging rigid gender norms and creating environments that empower women and promote equity.
Men and boys must be engaged as allies and advocates.
2. Transformative Change: Engaging men is seen as key to initiating transformative change benefiting women and society overall. The workshop specifically aims to build the capacity of male leaders to become effective change agents.
3. Building Capacity for Action: Participants are being equipped with knowledge, skills, and tools to lead by example – advocating for gender-equal policies, dismantling stereotypes, and fostering cultures of respect and inclusion.
4. Addressing Critical Issues: UNFPA highlighted that meaningful male engagement is vital for tackling gender-based violence, ensuring reproductive health rights, and guaranteeing equitable access to opportunities within the sector.
5. Creating Safer, Inclusive Workplaces: The collective goal is to “create safer, more inclusive workplaces where everyone –
regardless of gender – can thrive” by challenging the status quo.
Mrs Bediako, on behalf of Naphambo, called on participants to become “champions of change” within their communities and organizations, harnessing their collective power to make gender equality a lived reality, not just an aspiration.
UNFPA expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection for spearheading the initiative, urging all stakeholders to embrace the opportunity to drive positive social change. The concluding vision was for Ghana’s transportation sector to become “a beacon of gender equality.”
The workshop represents a focused effort to shift workplace culture in a traditionally
male-dominated industry, positioning gender equality as fundamental to Ghana’s broader development and progress.
The call to action was clear: participants are encouraged to become change agents, sharing the message and challenging arbitrary conformity and disregard for equality within their spheres of influence.
By Kingsley Asiedu
