A coordination and evaluation meeting took place on December 17, 2025, at the Conference Hall of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) in Lomé, Togo. The meeting focused on the introduction and implementation of the Gender Equality Seal for Public Institutions (GES-PI) within ECOWAS, particularly at EBID.
The GES-PI is a certification framework initiated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It aims to support public institutions in achieving gender equality between women and men and aligns with the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The event was organized by the ECOWAS Gender Development Centre (EGDC) and chaired by H.E. Mrs. Damtien Tchintchibidja, Vice-President of the ECOWAS Commission. Participants included H.E. Dr. George Agyekum Donkor, President of EBID; Mrs. Binta Sanneh, UNDP Resident Representative in Togo; H.E. Mrs. Emily Grey, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Togo; as well as Technical Directors from various ECOWAS institutions and representatives from partner organizations.
During the session, participants discussed progress made under the UN-led GES-PI initiative and reviewed internal measures aimed at promoting gender equity within ECOWAS bodies such as EBID and the ECOWAS Commission.
In her address, Mrs. Damtien Tchintchibidja stated: “EBID is taking a decisive step in its commitment to gender equality and inclusion by officially integrating the GES-PI into its internal structures.” She described this move as a strategic turning point that places EBID among African financial institutions dedicated to inclusive governance.
Dr. George Agyekum Donkor outlined EBID’s strategy to make gender equality a practical reality over the coming years through actions like forming an EBID GES-PI Committee and conducting a baseline self-assessment to inform an institutional action plan for 2026-2027. He said: “The Bank’s ultimate objective is to attain Gold certification under the Gender Equality Seal in the first half of 2027.”
The GES-PI supports public organizations in embedding gender equality principles into their structures and policies to improve their impact on women’s empowerment and overall gender parity. Certification is awarded progressively at Bronze, Silver, or Gold levels based on achievements across five key domains.
Within ECOWAS, EGDC has been responsible for implementing this initiative since it was launched on September 9, 2024. The program has since expanded across various departments and specialized institutions of ECOWAS.
ECOWAS operates as a regional intergovernmental organization focusing on political and economic integration across West Africa [source]. Its mission includes advancing cooperation among member states through harmonized policies in areas such as trade, social development, transport, agriculture, infrastructure policy alignment, free movement protocols for people and goods, and regional trade coordination [source]. The commission’s structure consists of a president supported by a vice president and commissioners [source], with headquarters located in Abuja, Nigeria [source]. Established following the signing of the Treaty of Lagos on May 28, 1975 [source], ECOWAS continues efforts toward greater integration throughout West Africa.