The ECOWAS Gender Development Centre (EGDC) launched the ECOWAS Gender Observatory (ECOGO) and EGDC’s programmes in Ghana on September 6, 2024, in Accra. This initiative received support from the USAID Strengthening Regional Peace and Stability (SRPS) in West Africa Programme and the UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa.
The ECOWAS Gender Observatory is a regional digital platform designed to monitor, evaluate, and report on ECOWAS gender programmes, projects, and activities within Member States. It also serves as a gender statistics database focusing on gender equality and women's empowerment in the ECOWAS region.
During the launch of EGDC’s Gender programmes, a cheque of USD 245,000 was presented to Ghana to enhance the implementation of the EGDC’s Obstetric Fistula programme. In 2024, ECOWAS is providing financial support to eight Member States aimed at eradicating obstetric fistula within the region. The funds will support four key components: surgical repair for women and girls suffering from obstetric fistula, socio-economic reintegration of survivors into their communities, awareness campaigns on prevention causes, and rehabilitation of national fistula referral centres.
Professor Fatou Sow Sarr, Honourable Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs of the ECOWAS Commission stated that "ECOWAS Gender Observatory represents a crucial tool in our quest for gender equality and women’s empowerment". She stressed the importance of translating collected data into tangible actions that bring positive change.
Ms. Prudence Ngwenya, Director of Women, Gender and Youth Directorate at the African Union Commission emphasized that ECOGO is not just a repository but a dynamic platform enabling data collection, analysis, and dissemination across the region. "It provides a long-term sustainable response to data challenges," she noted.
Ms. Cleopatra Phiri-Hurungo highlighted that despite significant strides made by the ECOWAS region in promoting gender equality, ECOGO's creation marks an essential step forward. "This bold initiative will empower the region to confront obstacles rigorously," she remarked on behalf of Dr. Mathias Naab.
Honourable Dakoa Newman commended EGDC's leadership through Mrs. Faustina Akua Frempomaa Acheampong for appreciating women's roles in various economic aspects while complementing Member States' efforts towards this goal.
ECOGO will operate as a regional web-based system covering all ECOWAS Member States with modules for automatic data migration to the African Union's Gender Observatory under direct supervision from the ECOWAS Commission.
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