Workshop strengthens mentorship and leadership for women with disabilities in Ho

An onboarding and orientation workshop under a mentorship and coaching programme for women with disabilities has ended in Ho, marking a significant step toward strengthening leadership, advocacy, and inclusion.

The initiative, led by the Women with Disability Development and Advocacy Organisation (WODAO) with support from the EU-funded Civil Society Strengthening Project and in collaboration with Sightsavers and the ABAK Foundation, is designed to empower 45 mentees and 15 mentors through long-term mentorship relationships. Its theme, “Empowering Women with Disabilities through Mentorship, Leadership and Inclusion,” captures its core objective.

Representing the Volta Regional Director of Gender, Ms Princess Lovia Tetteh emphasised the multiple layers of discrimination women with disabilities face. She referenced Ghana Statistical Service data showing disability prevalence of 8.8% among females compared to 6.7% among males, noting that women with disabilities experience deeper socioeconomic inequalities, lower education levels, and higher rates of violence.

“These statistics highlight the urgent need for gender-sensitive and disability-inclusive policies,” she said, urging stakeholders to meaningfully integrate disability perspectives into gender equality efforts.

She also noted global disparities, referencing findings from the World Economic Forum that estimate 131 years to close the gender gap, with women occupying just 28% of managerial roles and women with disabilities facing even starker barriers.

WODAO Executive Director, Madam Veronica Denyo Kofiedu, described the workshop as a milestone in advancing leadership and inclusion. She said the initiative seeks to close the gap between potential and opportunity while amplifying the voices of women with disabilities in decision-making spaces.

Madam Patience Atipoka Atuah of VOWWAC highlighted the need for clear communication, intentionality, and mutual respect in mentorship, noting that conflict resolution and goal-setting are essential for productive mentor–mentee relationships.

WODAO Programmes Officer, Mr George Edem Kofiedu, outlined the programme’s guiding principles, inclusivity, accessibility, trust, confidentiality, respect, shared responsibility, and continuous learning.