Accra: ABAK Foundation Ghana, in partnership with Sightsavers Ireland, is spearheading an initiative to strengthen civil society representation of women with disabilities in Ghana. The project, funded by the European Union, aims to bolster advocacy for gender mainstreaming, disability inclusion, and climate change awareness.
According to Ghana News Agency, ABAK has launched a series of advocacy training workshops designed to enhance the capacity of local member groups, community-based organizations, and partners. These workshops aim to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to engage in disability-inclusive, gender-responsive, and climate-focused community activities and advocacy. The workshops also serve as a platform for sharing project details, advocacy strategies, and research findings related to disability, climate change, gender equality, and social inclusion.
Ms. Dorcas Dapaah, Senior Project Officer at ABAK Foundation, emphasized that the workshops are dedicated to strengthening the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities. She urged government officials, traditional leaders, and organizations to focus on meaningful inclusion, accessibility, and the elimination of discriminatory practices. Ms. Dapaah stressed the importance of actively involving persons with disabilities in decision-making processes.
Ms. Paulina Afognuo Agyei, Gender and Social Inclusion Officer at ABAK Foundation, highlighted the challenges faced by women with disabilities, including limited access to education and employment opportunities. She noted that these women often face stigma and discrimination, compounded by disability, gender, and poverty. To address these issues, Ms. Agyei advocated for entrepreneurship training for women with disabilities to empower them for self-employment.
Ms. Comfort Naatuka, Environmental and Climate Change Lead at ABAK Foundation, underscored the need for targeted social protection measures to help women with disabilities adapt to climate change and mitigate environmental risks.