Gender Minister Attends Inaugural Africa Care Forum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 

Ghana’s Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection and a representative of the African Union Champion on Gender and Development, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has joined African leaders and partners at the official opening of the Africa Care Forum in Addis Ababa.

The Forum provides a high-level platform to affirm the care economy’s central role in Africa’s development. It positions care as a strategic pillar of economic transformation, underscoring how investments in care systems can drive inclusive growth, expand women’s economic participation, create decent jobs, strengthen human capital, boost productivity, and build resilience across the continent.

Speaking at the ceremony on Thursday, Dr Lartey expressed her honour in participating in the historic gathering under the theme, “Placing Care at the Centre of Africa’s Development Agenda.” 

On behalf of H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana and AU Champion for Gender and Development, she conveyed warm greetings to the African Union Commission and commended its Women, Gender and Youth Directorate for establishing the continental platform for dialogue, learning, and action on care.

She highlighted Ghana’s commitment to advancing gender equality and social protection, noting that the unequal distribution of unpaid care continues to limit women’s opportunities in education, work, entrepreneurship, and leadership. 

She stated that Ghana had launched the ‘National Gender Policy 2025–2034’ to provide a framework to address structural barriers and promote equal opportunities. She also emphasised the ‘Early Childhood Care and Development Policy 2025,’ which adopts a comprehensive approach to health, nutrition, education, protection, and inclusion, re-recognising the vital role of parents and caregivers.

The Minister called for the Forum to mark the beginning of a new continental compact for care; one that ensures stronger commitment, policy coherence, and sustained investment in inclusive, gender-responsive, and accessible care systems that empower women and girls, strengthen families, and advance Africa’s sustainable development.

David Quaye, ISD

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia