On April 21 in Big-Ada, the Women Youth, Peace, and Security Institute (WYPSI) of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), in collaboration with the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), engaged students of Ada Senior High School (SHS) in a program aimed at raising awareness about the roles of women in peacekeeping operations.
This initiative, supported by the Elsie Initiative Fund of Canada, is part of a broader commitment by the Ghanaian government to the Elsie Initiative for Women in Peace Operations, which seeks to enhance women’s participation in peacekeeping globally.
The program underscores a national effort to encourage more women to join the military and consider careers in United Nations peacekeeping missions, particularly in combat units known for their leadership development and opportunities for advancement.
One of the main objectives is to dispel stereotypes and broaden the understanding of the varied and rewarding career paths available to women in the military.
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During the event, Group Captain Theodora Agornyo, Gender Policy Advisor to the Chief of Defence Staff, highlighted the strategic importance of women reaching decision-making positions within military operations.
She emphasized that significant leadership roles, such as service commanders or commanding officers, are pivotal in influencing peacekeeping dynamics.
Agornyo’s message was clear: entering combat units is essential for women aiming for the top echelons of the GAF.
Launched in 2023, this campaign plans to reach over 20,000 students across 85 senior high schools and several universities throughout Ghana’s 16 regions.
To date, the program has made stops in the Central, Eastern, Volta, and Oti regions, and recently commenced initiatives in the Greater Accra and Bono regions on April 15, 2024.
Ghana recognizes the unique contributions of women in peacekeeping, particularly their ability to connect with local communities, including women and children who are often the most affected by conflicts.
This campaign not only supports Ghana’s ongoing efforts to achieve gender equality in the military but also aligns with the UN Security Council Resolutions to boost women’s involvement in peace missions.
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