The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has empowered female head porters, known locally as Kayayei, through a workshop focused on health, financial inclusion, and protection against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
The Kayayei Empowerment Workshop, held as part of the Ministry’s end-of-year outreach, provided participants with critical knowledge on reproductive health, wellness, financial literacy, and investment opportunities in the informal sector. Officials also educated attendees on SGBV, available reporting mechanisms, and ways to safeguard themselves and their communities.
Speaking at the programme, Minister Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey said the initiative was designed to include vulnerable populations in national social protection efforts. “Educating Kayayei on their rights and available support systems enables them to protect themselves and assist others in their communities,” she said.
Participants also received packed meals and essential food items, including rice and cooking oil, to support them and their families during the Christmas period.
Dr. Lartey highlighted the passage of the Social Protection Act as a key 2025 achievement, alongside approval of policies on gender, domestic violence, disability, and early childhood care. She said these measures will be rolled out to enhance public awareness and access to social interventions.
The Ministry urged Kayayei and the public to report abuse or rights violations through toll-free lines 0800-111-222, 0800-800-800, and 0800-900-900, particularly during the festive season when head porters remain highly vulnerable.
The workshop forms part of ongoing efforts to improve the wellbeing, economic resilience, and personal safety of Ghana’s most marginalised female workers.