ECOWAS launches Gender Equality seal initiative

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has inaugurated the Gender Equality Committee (GEC) to spearhead the Seal of Gender Equality for Public Institutions (GES-PI).

The initiative was launched during a pivotal citation workshop organized by the ECOWAS Gender Development Centre (EGDC) from September 9th to 11th, 2024, in Accra, Ghana.

This event was bolstered by the support of GIZ and the UNDP Regional Services Centre for Africa.

The newly formed Gender Equality Committee is a coalition of focal points from various ECOWAS institutions, departments, and agencies. Their primary mission is to facilitate the implementation of the GES-PI, a framework designed to embed gender sensitivity into the core operations of ECOWAS institutions.

The three-day training session was curated to empower committee members with the essential knowledge and skills needed to implement GES-PI effectively.

Mrs. Sandra Oulaté Fattoh, Director of the ECOWAS Gender and Development Centre, underscored the unwavering commitment of ECOWAS leaders to gender equality, referencing Article 63 of the ECOWAS Revised Treaty.

She remarked, “To give real meaning to the commitment of our leaders to eliminating gender inequalities and disparities in our region, ECOWAS institutions, departments and agencies must begin with ourselves.”

Mrs. Doerte Diallo, leading the BMZ bilateral project in Ghana, echoed this sentiment, calling for a “more practical and concrete approach” to ensure institutional accountability in achieving gender equality.

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She reaffirmed GIZ’s dedication to this cause, stating, “Together, we can create a future in which all women and men have equal opportunity to develop their potential and contribute fully to the development of our region.”

Representing the UNDP, Mrs. Cleopatra Phiri-Hurungo highlighted the transformative potential of the GES-PI, describing it as a “powerful tool” to reshape the gender landscape in West Africa.

The workshop also featured insights from Mrs. Faustina Akua Frempomaa Acheampong, standing in for Ghana’s Minister of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare. She emphasized the global imperative to close gender gaps, acknowledging the progress made while advocating for continued efforts to raise awareness and dismantle stereotypes.

Upon completion of the training, approximately 45 staff members from ECOWAS institutions will be equipped to implement the GES-PI. This marks a significant stride toward creating favorable conditions for gender equality, with a comprehensive roadmap for GES-PI adoption set to be unveiled.