United Nations in Ghana 'No Manels' Campaign

In response to the continued routine absence of women at relevant national deliberative meetings and in a raft of processes where women’s voices matter, the United Nation System in Ghana, under the leadership of the Resident Coordinator and supported by the United Nations Gender Team (UNGT), is boldly stepping up to initiate a ‘No manel’ Campaign as they jointly say NO to All-Male Panels.

On September 8, 2021, as part of the Annual Retreat for United Nations Country Team in Ghana, leaders (heads of Agencies, Programme leaders and Operations Heads) took a ‘No Manel’ pledge to say NO to all forms of male-only panels constituted by the United Nations.

Our #NoManelPledge is a diversity pledge to encourage and influence the inclusion of women and girls in speaking engagements in all public discussions where women have not traditionally been part of the panel. Taking this pledge means officials of the UN in Ghana will actively promote and only participate in panels where women and girls are appropriately included – as experts, not just facilitators and moderators. This will be expanded to ensure other marginalized groups – especially persons with disability and young people are also active participants.