CEO and Co-Founder of the iSpace Foundation and Chairman of the Ghana Hubs Network, Josiah K. Eyison has called on persons in the private and public sectors, entrepreneurs, and NGOs, to use equitable and inclusive practices when designing programmes for women, people with disabilities, and people from vulnerable and marginalised groups.

The Gender Awareness Program (GAP) is an initiative developed by iSpace Foundation to help innovation hubs learn, practice, and pilot programs that address gender, equity, diversity, and inclusion in their programming and organisational activities.

The Gender Awareness Program focuses on community development at the grassroot level to help organisations build a business case and increase their understanding of gender mainstreaming, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

When asked how iSpace contributes to achieving equity and inclusion, Mr. Eyison told host, Erskine Whyte on YFM that iSpace Foundation has several initiatives that support entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation in Ghana for individuals and startups through training, mentorship, and other activities.

He stated that iSpace also has initiatives that support ecosystem development through collaborations and funding of innovation hubs and policy development support.

Mr. Eyison proposed a pyramid of change that engages multiple types of stakeholders including policy and change-makers to get involved and ask pertinent questions around the topic, in a quest for inclusive spaces and communities. 

He further explained that an inclusive world means that all people can express themselves freely, achieve their goals, and experience lower rates of poverty.

Mr. Eyison ended the conversation by saying that, “in an inclusive world, people will be more innovative, creative, and happy. Once we accept that, the world will be a good place”.