framework for incorporating gender awareness approaches into all spheres of national development. The Ministry has also established a Gender Responsive Budgeting Monitoring Unit (GRB-MU) and has recruited a Gender Consultant. The Technical Committee drawn from the Ministry of Health (MOH), Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA), Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MOFEP), National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) and MOWAC has developed budget guidelines on GRB for incorporation into the 2012 – 2014 Annual Budget. A training of trainers programme has been organized for the members of the technical committee to roll out the implementation of the GRB into other MDAs and MMDAs. The capacity building of 24 Gender Desk Officers (GDOs) in MDAs on Gender Mainstreaming, and Gender Responsive Budgeting. The dissemination of international Conventions and Treaties on gender and women empowerment were undertaken during the year. 2.20 Empowerment of women The Government of Ghana has initiated the Gender Responsive Skills and Community Development Project (GRSCDP) to address gender inequalities to promote equitable socio-economic development. 2.21 Women participation in decision-making MOWAC in collaboration with the Electoral Commission and with funding from International IDEA organized a meeting to collate inputs from stakeholders to form the basis for the development of an Affirmative Action Legislation (AAL) as a measure for increasing women participation in governance and decision-making. Civil society organizations in Ghana have consistently challenged patriarchal attitudes, and the creation of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs was an important step. Despite the important achievements over the years de facto discrimination still exists on issues concerning marriage and property rights. Sixth Annual APRM Progress Report: January – December 2011 35