ACEPA Trains Journalists on Gender Based Equality

The Africa Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA) in collaboration with the African Parliamentary Press Network (APPN), the Global Affairs Canada-funded ILGRP and with support from the Parliamentary Centre for Canada have organized a day training workshop in Accra for selected Journalists on Gender-Based awareness and equality.

The training which opened was to sensitise the journalists on laws and conventions on the rights of women and children in a bid to empower journalists to write and report effectively on the subject.

Addressing the Journalists at the workshop, the National Parliamentary Advisor and Team Manager for the Inclusive Legislatures for Gender Responsive Policies (ILGRP) Project, Dr. Gifty Adika, emphasized the importance of gender sensitivity and the promotion of gender-responsive legislation in Ghana.

According to her, raising awareness about the gender issues are essential for addressing gender inequality, discrimination, harassment, and violence.

Dr Adika focused on gender equality awareness, gender-based analysis plus, and related subjects.

She emphasized the need for well-informed media and civil society groups on gender awareness issues to ensure responsible reportage, which she said underscored the training for the PPC.

Madam Esenam Ahiadorme, the Gender and Influencing Specialist at Plan International Ghana, took the Journalists through the pivotal gender roles and norms that continue to affect women’s participation in leadership and decision-making roles.

She stated that, regardless of Ghana’s progress in enhancing women’s representation, challenges remain, particularly in Parliament, business, and other key areas.

**ACEPA Officials with the Trainee JOURNALISTS**

Madam Ahiadorme identified the potential negative impact of the upcoming elections on women’s parliamentary seats, underscoring the need for continued efforts to overcome systemic barriers and promote inclusivity.

The Parliamentary Liaison for the Inclusive Legislatures for Gender Responsive Policies (ILGRP) project, Agnes Titriku, expressed the necessity of creating legislative environments that are more inclusive and sensitive to gender disparities.

She said the gender-responsive legislatures are vital for achieving sustainable development and social equity.

She further encouraged the need to integrate gender implications in legislative efforts to ensure that policies are equitable and contribute effectively to bridging the gender gap across various societal sectors.

Other resources persons including Gilbert Boyefio of PNAfrica, Lilian Bruce, Gender and CSOs Advisor of ACEPA spoke on topics such as the Gender Advocacy to Parliament (GAP) project and Gender-Based Analysis Plus.