Gender Minister joins Commonwealth leaders to advance women’s empowerment

The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has joined government officials, civil society organisations and development partners at the 2026 Commonwealth Women’s Forum in Antigua and Barbuda to discuss strategies for advancing gender equality and strengthening women’s empowerment.

The Minister and her delegation participated in the opening plenary of the Forum in St. John’s, which marks the beginning of activities ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

Held under the theme, “Advancing Gender Equality: Investment in a Prosperous and Resilient Commonwealth,” the Forum is providing a platform for member countries to share experiences, examine policy approaches and build partnerships to address persistent inequalities affecting women and girls.

Discussions at the opening session focused on the links between women’s leadership and political participation, gender-based violence and climate change. Speakers stressed the importance of protecting progress made in gender equality while strengthening cooperation to achieve lasting results.

Climate change also featured prominently, with participants highlighting its effects on women's livelihoods, household security and the resilience of communities. They called for stronger partnerships, resource mobilisation and the sharing of successful interventions to address the challenges facing women and girls.

The Forum's programme covers key issues, including women's economic empowerment, gender and climate change, ending violence against women and girls, and accountability for commitments made towards gender equality.

Dr Lartey is also expected to participate in sessions examining how health systems can respond more effectively to gender-based violence, particularly through improved care, support and referral services for survivors.

Another major engagement will be the Commonwealth Disability Forum, which will focus on disability inclusion and the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

Discussions will examine ways to improve the participation of persons with disabilities in education, employment, political processes and other aspects of public life.

The Minister is also expected to deliver a statement during a session titled, “Leveraging Networks and Digital Platforms to Scale and Access New Markets,” which will explore opportunities for using digital platforms and networks to expand access to markets.

The engagements are expected to provide Ghana with an opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences with other Commonwealth countries on women's economic empowerment, the prevention of gender-based violence and the promotion of disability-inclusive policies.

The outcomes will also contribute to ongoing efforts to strengthen Ghana's policies and programmes on gender equality, social protection and inclusion.