The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has urged Ghana to integrate gender equality into its climate policies. This call emphasizes the full implementation of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024. The ILO believes this will prevent women from being disadvantaged as Ghana transitions to a green economy.
Climate change disproportionately affects women, particularly those in informal employment, subsistence agriculture, and unpaid care work. These sectors are highly vulnerable to environmental impacts like floods, extreme heat, and changing rainfall patterns. Without deliberate corrective measures, climate change has the potential to deepen existing gender inequalities across the nation.
This initiative aligns with Ghana's broader economic development goals, which include accelerating climate resilience and green industrialisation. The Affirmative Action Act, 2024, reflects Ghana's commitment to promoting equitable participation of women and men in leadership, employment, and decision-making. Effective implementation of this legislation is crucial for building a more productive, resilient, and equitable economy.
Mr. Gideon Mankralo, National Project Coordinator of the ILO, made this call at a capacity-building workshop in Accra. The workshop targeted Chief Directors and Gender Desk Officers on the Act's implementation. He stated, "Climate change has the potential to deepen existing gender inequalities unless deliberate corrective measures are taken. This is precisely where affirmative action becomes indispensable."
The ILO's "Just Transition" approach advocates for environmentally sustainable economies that are fair and inclusive. This means ensuring equal access to green skills, finance, decent work, and social protection for all. Ghana's commitment to the Affirmative Action Act at this defining moment provides a unique opportunity. It can ensure that climate action generates decent work while leaving no one behind.
The ILO identified six key priorities for Ghana to achieve this integration. These include embedding gender into climate policies and investing in women's green skills. Other priorities are expanding finance for women-led green enterprises and increasing women's access to climate finance. Strengthening gender-responsive labour data and promoting women's leadership in climate governance are also vital. These steps will ensure that the transition to a green economy benefits all segments of society equally.
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has been commended for advancing the implementation of this critical legislation. However, legislation alone does not produce equality; effective implementation does. The successful integration of gender equality into climate policies will position Ghana to build an economy that is greener, more productive, more resilient, and more equitable for all its citizens.