The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has organised an empowerment workshop for Kayayei, female head porters, to improve their health, economic security and personal safety.
The workshop focused on reproductive health and wellness, financial inclusion and investment opportunities for young women in the informal sector, as well as sexual and gender based violence and the reporting channels available to survivors.
Speaking at the event, the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, said the programme formed part of the Ministry’s efforts to reach vulnerable groups during its end of year activities. She described Kayayei as an important group within the Ministry’s social protection work and said they must be equipped with knowledge about their rights, welfare and future opportunities.
According to the Minister, educating Kayayei about reporting mechanisms and support systems helps them protect themselves and also enables them to support others in their communities. She noted that access to information creates a multiplier effect that extends the impact of government interventions beyond direct beneficiaries.
As part of the support, participants received packed meals and food items including rice and cooking oil to assist them and their families during the Christmas period.
Dr Lartey also highlighted key achievements of the Ministry over the year, including the passage of the Social Protection Act, which she said would improve coordination and implementation of social interventions nationwide. She added that several policies, such as the National Gender Policy, Domestic Violence Policy, Disability Policy and the Early Childhood Care and Development Policy, have been approved and will soon be rolled out to the public.
Participants were urged to report all forms of abuse and rights violations through the Ministry’s toll free helplines 0800,111,222, 0800,800,800 and 0800,900,900, especially during the festive season when Kayayei are more exposed to exploitation and violence.
