By Yussif Ibrahim
Kumasi, October 01, GNA – The Abak Foundation Ghana, together with Sightsavers Ireland, has launched an extensive training initiative for chosen civil society organizations (CSOs) operating in 20 regions across Ghana.
The project, named: “Enhancing Civil Society Representation of Women with Disabilities in Ghana,” aims to support local organizations in the Ashanti, Greater Accra, Bono, and Bono East Regions.
Supported by the European Union (EU), the purpose of the program is to encourage disability inclusion, integrate gender perspectives, address climate change adaptation, and ensure protection within the activities of civil society organizations.
Mr. Philip Duah, the Executive Director of Abak Foundation, addressed the training session in Kumasi, stating that the initiative aimed to enhance the capabilities of CSOs so that their activities remain inclusive and avoid causing harm, particularly to individuals with disabilities.
“We aim to enable our partner organizations to incorporate a disability perspective in all their activities, whether in leadership, internal processes, or advocacy, ensuring that people with disabilities can fully engage in society as equals,” Mr. Duah stated.
He mentioned that the training extends beyond disability awareness to tackle the overlap between climate change and susceptibility.
He stated that individuals with disabilities were frequently the hardest hit during disasters triggered by climate change, emphasizing the importance of civil society being more aware of environmental conservation and adaptation strategies.
The training also familiarized involved CSOs with gender integration approaches to promote the equal involvement of women, especially those with disabilities, in decision-making activities.
Furthermore, the organizations are being advised to create protection policies that ensure the safety of communities and individuals throughout the project execution.
As part of the initiative, every organization will create and carry out advocacy strategies at the district level, collaborating with local communities to encourage inclusion, environmental conservation, and transparency.
Mr. Duah highlighted that enhancing the internal frameworks of CSOs, such as governance mechanisms and personnel management, is crucial for maintaining disability-friendly development.
GNA
Edited by Kwabia Owusu-Mensah and Linda Asante Agyei
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
