Gender equality is not a women’s issue.
It is a national responsibility.
Ghana has taken a bold and timely step toward ending Sexual and Gender-Based Violence by convening a National Men’s Conference on Positive Masculinity, led by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection in collaboration with UNFPA.
Held on Friday, 12th December 2025, the conference brought together policymakers, Members of Parliament, traditional and faith leaders, transport unions, civil society, academia, development partners, and the media—sending one clear message: men must be at the center of the solution.
Delivering the keynote address, the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, emphasized that men and boys are not bystanders in the fight against sexual and gender-based violence—they are key actors. She stressed that positive masculinity challenges harmful norms that silence emotions, normalize violence, and create unsafe homes and communities.
According to the Minister, promoting positive masculinity does not weaken men—it empowers them to lead with empathy, responsibility, and respect.
She highlighted concrete government actions already underway, including:
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The Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act
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The Social Protection Act
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Men and Boys Clubs and mentorship programmes
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Domestic Violence Response Centres in markets
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Digital support platforms such as the Orange Support Centre and Boame App
These interventions show that Ghana is not only talking about gender equality—it is acting on it.
UNFPA Resident Representative, Dr. Wilfred Ochan, praised the initiative as a strong alignment with UNFPA’s global agenda on male engagement, stressing that cultural, religious, and traditional norms can be transformed to promote dignity, equality, and non-violence.
Representing the Chief of Staff, Hon. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, Presidential Envoy for Interfaith and Ecumenical Bodies, reminded the nation that every act of gender-based violence weakens the soul of Ghana. He clarified that the conference was not about blaming men, but about inspiring them to become protectors, peacemakers, and positive role models.
His message was powerful and clear:
When men speak up, cultures shift.
When men choose respect, households transform.
Discussions at the conference also addressed sexual harassment, men’s mental health, and gender-based violence—highlighting the link between unaddressed mental health challenges and cycles of violence.
Held as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the National Men’s Conference is expected to become an annual platform—deepening dialogue, strengthening community action, and accelerating policies to end violence in all its forms.
This is a call to every man, every leader, every institution:
Gender equality is not a threat—it is the foundation of safer families, stronger communities, and a more just Ghana.
Positive masculinity is not optional.
It is the future we must build—together.
