The Women with Disability Development and Advocacy Organisation (WODAO) has stressed its commitment to promoting the active participation of women with disabilities in civil society activities.

According to the Executive Director of WODAO, Veronica Adenyo Kofiedu, her outfit aims to ensure that women with disabilities are well-equipped to contribute to and shape the operations of civil society organisations and governance.

She mentioned this at the closure and evaluation workshop for the EU-funded project, “Strengthening Civil Society Representation of Women with Disabilities in Ghana.”

She said that “our long-term goal remains unchanged: Women with disabilities must not only be included in civil society—they must shape it." 

Scope of Project 

Madam Kofiedu further indicated that the closure of the programme marks a significant turn in the lives of women with disabilities, adding that “it is a celebration of growth, resilience, courage, and transformation.”

She stated that the project, which benefited about 50 women, was designed to strengthen leadership identity among women with disabilities, deepen advocacy skills grounded in lived experience, build confidence, voice, and visibility, and increase the representation of women with disabilities in decision-making spaces.

“Some of our mentees are now ready to lead advocacy initiatives, engage policymakers, mentor others, influence institutions, and represent women with disabilities at higher platforms.
That is the real success of this programme," she emphasised. 

Appreciation

Madam Kofiedu commended the mentor for investing their time and sharing their expertise during the project period to nurture the participants in leadership, among others. 

“To our mentors, you did not just teach. You invested time, experience, networks, and patience. Mentorship requires commitment, and we deeply appreciate your dedication," she said.

“To our mentees, you showed courage. Growth requires vulnerability. You reflected, received feedback, stepped out of your comfort zones, and applied your learning in real communities.”

“To our partners, Sightsavers and ABAK Foundation, thank you for believing in WODAO’s vision of strengthening women with disabilities as leaders. To our government stakeholders, your presence reinforces that inclusion is a shared responsibility," she concluded.