Dambai: The Women with Disabilities Development and Advocacy Organization (WODAO) has organized a three-day training workshop to promote the rights and inclusion of women with disabilities in the Oti Region. The workshop, held in Dambai, aimed to strengthen inclusive civil society representation through safeguarding, disability inclusion, gender mainstreaming, and climate resilience.
According to Ghana News Agency, the training workshop, dubbed ‘Strengthening Civil Society Representation of Women with Disabilities in Ghana,’ is part of WODAO’s efforts to advocate for the rights and inclusion of women and girls with disabilities. The project, funded by the European Commission and in partnership with Sightsavers International, marks a significant milestone for WODAO and its downstream Civil Society Organisations.
During the workshop, Mr. George Edem Kofiedu, the Project Officer of WODAO, led a session on safeguarding concerns, highlighting the importance of protecting the rights and well-being of women and girls with disabilities. The session covered various types of safeguarding concerns, legal and ethical considerations, and emphasized the need for organizations and individuals to prioritize the rights and well-being of females with disabilities.
Ms. Veronica Denyo Kofiedu, the Executive Director of WODAO, stated that the training session was a key component of their year-two plan, which involved a mentorship programme designed to help women with disabilities through virtual and in-person coaching. According to her, the programme aimed to boost advocacy skills, deepen technical knowledge, and assist decision-making at all levels.
She said WODAO was also engaging stakeholders through regional workshops aimed at building alliances and co-creating solutions with local authorities, traditional leaders, and development donors. In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Ms. Kofiedu said, the organization’s journey would culminate in the ‘Learn and Share Festival,’ a national platform to showcase the stories, outcomes, and innovations emerging from the training engagements.
She expressed gratitude to Sightsavers International, a leading international non-governmental organization, for promoting the rights and inclusion of women with disabilities in Ghana. ‘As lead applicants, Sightsavers International has played a crucial role in supporting WODAO’s efforts to advocate for the rights of women with disabilities,’ Ms. Kofiedu added. She said the partnership has enabled WODAO to organize series of training workshops and capacity building sessions aimed at empowering women with disabilities to assume leadership roles and participate fully in their communities.