The ECOWAS Gender Development Centre (EGDC) organized a capacity-building workshop for the ECOWAS Gender Equality Committee (GEC) and other civil society stakeholders from September 9 to 11, 2024, in Accra, Ghana. The event was supported by GIZ and the UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa.
The Gender Equality Committee is composed of focal points from various ECOWAS institutions, departments, and agencies designated to facilitate the implementation of the Gender Equality Seal.
The three-day training aimed to equip members of the GEC with the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to implement the Gender Equality Seal for Public Institutions (GES-PI) across different ECOWAS entities.
In her opening remarks, Sandra Oulaté Fattoh, Director of EGDC, emphasized that ECOWAS leaders have shown consistent commitment to promoting gender equality and women's empowerment. This commitment is reflected in Article 63 of the ECOWAS Revised Treaty which aims to enhance the economic, social, and cultural conditions of women.
"For us to give real meaning to the commitment of our leaders to eliminate gender inequalities and disparities in our region, ECOWAS Institutions, Departments and Agencies must begin with ourselves. We must first take necessary steps to mainstream gender in our strategies and programs," said Fattoh.
Mrs. Doerte Diallo from GIZ highlighted the need for a practical approach to promote institutional accountability in achieving gender equality. "Together, we can create a future where every woman and man have an equal opportunity to fulfill their potential," she stated.
Dr. Mathias Naab from UNDP-Regional Service Centre for Africa expressed satisfaction at witnessing this milestone by ECOWAS. Represented by Cleopatra Phiri-Hurungo, Naab noted that "the GES-PI represents a powerful tool with the potential to transform the gender landscape across West Africa."
Hon. Dakoa Newman’s remarks were delivered by Mrs. Faustina Akua Frempomaa Acheampong from Ghana's Department of Gender. She stressed that despite efforts made globally towards bridging gender gaps, more investment is needed in sensitization efforts.
At the end of the training session, about 45 staff members from various ECOWAS institutions will be equipped with knowledge on rolling out GES-PI within their respective organizations. A comprehensive roadmap will also be adopted for implementing GES-PI across all relevant bodies within ECOWAS.
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