In a significant step towards advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment in the Garu District, partners under the Women’s Economic Advancement for Collective Transformation (WEACT) including Oxfam, Norsaac, SEND Ghana, and SNG, paid a working visit to the Garu District Assembly.
The purpose of their visit was to engage with key stakeholders, such as the Gender Desk Officer, Social Welfare/Community Development, and other staff of the Assembly for a possible adoption of the Gender Model Family (GMF) and Monetization of unpaid care work Concept into the activities of the assembly.
These concepts are poised to play a pivotal role in redefining the gender landscape in the district. The stakeholders displayed a collective commitment to advancing gender-related initiatives by considering the adoption of these concepts into their strategies.
These evidence-based approaches align seamlessly with their ongoing gender mainstreaming activities, offering the promise of transformative impacts on the lives of women in the Garu District.
This collaborative partnership and the potential adoption of these concepts are expected to usher in a new era of possibilities for empowering women, redistributing unpaid care work, and ultimately fostering more inclusive and equitable communities within the Garu District.
The gender desk officer who doubles as Social welfare and Community Development Officer, Mr. Samuel Apuchoogi, speaking on behalf of the Garu District Assembly, expressed enthusiasm for the potential impact of these concepts and praised the collaborative efforts of the visiting organizations. He noted that Gender equality was not just a goal, but a necessity for the well-being of communities.
The delegation from Oxfam, Norsaac, SEND Ghana, and SNG commended the openness and dedication of the Garu District stakeholders and pledged to continue working closely with them to ensure the successful implementation of these concepts. The long-term goal is to create a more equitable society where the burden of unpaid care work is more evenly shared, enabling women to participate more fully in economic and social activities.
This partnership marks a significant stride forward in the pursuit of gender equality and women’s empowerment within the Garu District. As these concepts take root and are put into practice, the district can look forward to a brighter, more inclusive future where women are central to community progress.
The adoption of the GMF concept, when done, will make Garu District stands to become a shining example of how collective commitment and evidence-based approaches can lead to transformative change. The move will demonstrate that gender equality is not just an aspiration but a reality within reach
About GMF
A Gender Model Family recognizes and actively supports the equal sharing of responsibilities and decision-making within households. It challenges norms that limit women’s potential by promoting shared roles in domestic work, childcare, and income generation. When both partners collaborate and share responsibilities, it creates an environment where women can pursue education, careers, and entrepreneurial endeavors without compromising family harmony.
GMF acknowledges that empowering women is not solely the responsibility of women themselves. Instead, it recognizes the role of men as allies in dismantling systemic barriers. When men actively participate in household chores and caregiving, it allows women the time and freedom to engage in income-generating activities, thereby contributing to household income and economic growth.