Kofi Ampeah Woode
The Women Youth, Peace & Security Institute (WYPSI) of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) in partnership with the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), has embarked on a nationwide school’s campaign to promote opportunities for women in the military and increase their participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations.
This initiative, with funding from the Elsie Initiative Fund of Canada, aligns with the Government of Ghana’s commitment to the Elsie Initiative for Women in Peace Operations, a global effort to empower women in peacekeeping roles.
The campaign focuses on encouraging young women to consider careers within the GAF, particularly combat units, which offer strong leadership development opportunities for future deployments.
The campaign also seeks to challenge misconceptions by addressing stereotypes and providing accurate information about the diverse and fulfilling careers available to women in the military.
The programme, which was launched 2023, aimed to reach over 20,000 students across 85 senior high schools and selected universities across the 16 regions of Ghana.
The campaign has so far been to the Central, Eastern, Volta and Oti Regions, while Greater Accra and Bono Regions commenced on April 15 to April 19, 2024, respectively.
Ghana recognizes the crucial role women play in achieving successful peace operations as women peacekeepers often connect more effectively with local communities, particularly women and children, who are frequently the most impacted by conflict.
This national campaign builds on Ghana’s existing efforts to promote gender equality in the military, including the implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolutions calling for increased participation of women in peacekeeping missions.
Ghana is a leading example in Africa for its commitment to gender mainstreaming in the military. Through this national campaign and s partnership with The Elsie Initiative Fund, the KAIPTC’S WYPSI and GAF are taking significant steps to empower women and contribute to a more secure and peaceful future.
About The Elsie Initiative Fund
The Elsie Initiative Fund supports and incentivizes initiatives that increase the number of uniformed women deployed in UN peacekeeping operations. Established by Canada and UN Women, the Fund aims to accelerate progress towards achieving the UN’s gender parity targets within peacekeeping forces.
About WYPSI
The Women, Youth, Peace and Security Institute (WYPSI) of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) is a leading voice in Africa for promoting gender equality and youth inclusion in peacebuilding. The Institute serve as a knowledge hub, equipping individuals and institutions with the skills and resources needed for women’s meaningful participation in peace processes and the integration of gender perspectives throughout peace operations.
www.kaiptc.org
