NATIONAL GENDER DIVERSITY TASKFORCE INAUGURATED

The Head of the Civil Service, Dr. Evans Aggrey-Darkoh, inaugurated the National Gender Diversity Taskforce on Thursday, October 17, 2024. The taskforce aims to promote gender inclusion and diversity within the Civil Service and across other public sectors by advocating policy reforms, addressing intersectional barriers, and empowering women to take on leadership and decision-making roles at all levels of governance.

In his address, Dr. Aggrey-Darkoh stated that the initiative would facilitate the Office of the Head of Civil Service’s (OHCS) implementation of gender mainstreaming activities and programs in ministries and departments. He added that it would provide a practical foundation for advancing gender coordination and fostering inclusive practices to enhance the performance of the Civil Service.

He subsequently urged the Taskforce to establish Female Coaching and Mentoring groups to offer mentorship and career advancement opportunities. He emphasized that for the country to develop, it is essential to create an inclusive environment for everyone, regardless of gender diversity.

The Country Director of Emerging Public Leaders of Ghana, an organization collaborating with OHCS to implement the project, Ms. Juliet Amoah, indicated that the project is expected to increase gender representation in leadership and decision-making roles, improve gender diversity and inclusivity policies, strengthen the capacities of women through mentorship and leadership programs, and enhance accountability and tracking of gender-related outcomes.

The Taskforce is comprised of the Head of the Civil Service as Chairman, along with Chief Directors from the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection; OHCS; the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralization, and Rural Development; the Ministry of Education; the Ministry of Health; the Ministry of Finance; and the Director of the Reforms Coordinating Unit at OHCS.