The Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA), collaborating with the West African Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), the UNOWAS Working Group on Women, Youth, Peace and Security - Ghana, and the SRC Women's Commission, held a student forum at Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU) on March 12, 2025. Under the theme Empowering Young Women: Accelerating Action for the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda in West Africa, the event focused on empowering young women as future leaders in peacebuilding and security, as well as addressing barriers to gender equality.
The forum commenced with opening remarks by Dorothy Barnes, FOSDA's Programmes Officer and master of ceremonies, who emphasized the importance of International Women's Day and the forum's mission to advance gender equality. Mrs. Josiane Sombo of WANEP highlighted the need to eliminate obstacles preventing women from participating in peace processes and decision-making, pointing out that young people, who make up 60% of the population, must be included.
Mrs. Theodora Anti of FOSDA, whose speech touched on the importance of International Women's Day, noted, It is crucial to recognize both the historical social and economic hardships that women in Ghana have faced, and to celebrate the remarkable achievements that women have made despite these challenges. Encouragingly, as we strive for greater inclusion, it is vital that young women consider careers in peace and security, as women are underrepresented in some security agencies in Ghana.
The keynote address was delivered by Group Captain Theodora Agomyo, Gender Policy Advisor to the Chief of Defence Staff of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), who shared her personal journey as a woman in the armed forces. She highlighted the underrepresentation of women in GAF (18%) and encouraged students to pursue careers in peace and security, underscoring that achieving gender equality is an ongoing process. She concluded by urging the students to "make a promise to yourself, to make yourself proud, and to make others around you proud of you."
Following the keynote, a dynamic panel discussion featured Ethel Serwaa Aidoo - the SRC Women's Commissioner; Rebecca Ekpe - Editor in Chief of Ghana Broadcasting Corporation; Supt. Effia Tenge (Rtd.) - Director of Public Engagement, Parliament; Chief Supt. Evelyn Danquah Kottoh - Head of Gender Unit, GIS; Patricia Mensah-Larkai - Director of Administration
at the Ghana Boundary Commission and Theodora Williams Anti - Executive Director, FOSDA.
They addressed challenges faced by women in Ghana, such as limited political participation and the importance of intergenerational dialogue.
The forum also included interactive sessions such as the mentoring session, led by Dr. Ayo Amaale, who emphasized that mentorship should be a reciprocal relationship built on mutual respect.
