The Women with Disability Development and Advocacy Organisation (WODAO), has ended its mentorship and coaching program for some 45 women with Disabilities with a closure workshop.

The 4-month Mentorship and Coaching program was implemented as part of a 2-year EU-funded project, Strengthening Civil Society Representation of Women with Disabilities in Ghana.

The program mentored 45 young women with Disabilities in practical advocacy skills and 6 of
the women were attached to mainstream women's Rights Organizations for a 6-week internship.

The 45 mentees were paired with 15 mentors.

Scope of project

The Executive Director of WODAO, Veronica Denyo Kofiedu, indicated that the closure of the program marks a significant turn in the lives of women with disabilities, “it is a celebration of growth, resilience, courage, and transformation.”

She added that the project 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 emphasized.

She emphasized her outfit's commitment to promoting the active participation of women with disabilities in civil society activities.

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

Appreciation

Madam Kofiedu commended the mentor for investing their time, 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.