By Maxwell Awumah, GNA
Ho, April 2, GNA – The Women with Disability Development and Advocacy Organisation (WODAO), a not-for-profit entity has held its “Learn and Share Festival,” denoting the closure of the European Union-funded project titled “Strengthening Civil Society Representation of Women with Disabilities in Ghana.”
The two-year project aimed to strengthen the capacity of civil society organisations, particularly organisations of persons with disabilities and women’s rights groups, to actively participate in governance and advocacy processes.
It has succeeded to build the capacities of two co-applicants and 23 downstream organisations in Volta and Oti regions, supported grassroots advocacy actions across communities, strengthened networks and partnerships and promoted gender equality, disability inclusion, and climate-responsive advocacy.
It was implemented in 33 districts in six regions, including Bono, Bono East, Ashanti, Greater Accra as well as Volta and Oti.
Mr Abdul-Razak Mohammed, Programmes Manager at SightSavers said its programme review team of experts have scored WODAO and Alliance for Better Knowledge (ABAK) Foundation” 100 per cent for the implementation deliverables.
He said WODAO had a perfect score from evaluation tools and scorecard for off-track, on-watch and on-track benchmarks, project targets and achievements, receiving high commendations from partners.
He called for expedited passage of the PWD Bill by mid-year and appealed to the government to be pragmatic in closing the yawning disability unemployed gap as they are competent to work and contribute to nation building efforts.
Madam Veronica Denyo Kofiedu, Executive Director of WODAO said the project mentored 45 women with disabilities to lead advocacy initiatives, to engage policy makers and importantly, represent Women with Disabilities at decision-making platforms, contributed to amplifying the voices of women and girls with disabilities, and shape decisions that affect their lives.
She acknowledged the financial support of the European Union, and believing in the WODAO vision, while commending Sightsavers for their technical partnership, thanking them for their guidance, collaboration, and unwavering commitment throughout the implementation project phase.
“To our government partners, civil society organisations, and organisations of persons with disabilities, your collaboration has been vital in achieving the progress we celebrate today and being mindful that the journey is not yet complete.”
She however acknowledged that challenges remain, including stigma, limited access to opportunities, coordination across multiple areas, resource constraints, and gaps in policy implementation.
“Today provides us with an opportunity to strengthen our resolve and define the way forward together.”
As we move towards the close of this project, Madam Kofiedu indicated WODAO remained committed to: sustaining partnerships built under this project, continuing advocacy for inclusive policies and representation, supporting the empowerment of women and girls with disabilities and shape sustainable solutions that will extend the impact of this project beyond its lifecycle.
Mr George Kofiedu, Programmes Officer of WODAO, in an overview demonstrated that the projects exceeded many targets including 122 civil society staff requirements against a target of 75, reaching 586 downstream participants and implementing 36 advocacy actions – surpassing the initial target of 20.
He said the project has mitigated challenges of the target group by integrating practical case studies and real-life examples to deepen understanding of disability inclusion, established clear communication channels with focal persons o strengthen coordination and responsiveness, integrating project activities existing activities of partner organization and held regular check-in reviews with consultants.
Mr James Gunu, Volta Regional Minister, praised WODAO and its partners for the revealing accomplishment believing that the impact of the project would change the narrative in the catchment areas differently and “Together, we will continue to build a more inclusive and equitable society for all.”
He said the stories shared, the resilience demonstrated, and the impact highlighted were truly inspiring and full of commendation for WODAO for their unwavering commitment to amplifying the voices of women with disabilities and promoting inclusion in our society.
As a government, “we remain committed to ensuring that no one is left behind,” he added saying “I am particularly encouraged by the vision of President John Dramani Mahama to expand opportunities for persons with disabilities, including free tertiary education to improve access and equity.”
Mr Gunu donated GHS 5,000 to WODAO towards their objective.
GNA
Edited by Geofge-Ramsey Benamba