Kofi Ampeah Woode
The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) has commenced its Certificate Course in Gender Peace and Security, to deepen the understanding of women grassroot actors, in the implementation of the core pillars of the Women Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda.
The course was opened at the Multi-Purpose Training Facility (MPTF) of KAIPTC, on Tuesday 24 September 2024, by the Deputy Commandant, KAIPTC – Air Commodore (A/Cdre) David Akrong.
Delivering his address, A/Cdre D Akrong said the course was developed in line with KAIPTC’s strategic objective of building the capacity of Africans to fully implement the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol), the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSRC 1325), and its follow-up resolutions on WPS in the African context.
He further said KAIPTC through its Women Youth Peace and Security Institute (WYPSI) and the Faculty of Academic Affairs and Research (FAAR), with support from the Government of Sweden, developed the course to specifically target grassroots women, peace builders and women, addressing the day-to-day challenges of women in conflict and security.
He continued to say that the UN WPS Agenda stresses the need to prevent violence against women, protect women in situations of insecurity, promote female participation in decision-making in various peace processes, and ensure that the needs of women are addressed in the relief, rehabilitation and recovery processes before, during and after conflict and insecurity situations.
The course, he continued, therefore provides the opportunity to enhance the technical and theoretical knowledge of grassroots women leaders from targeted organizations in the Volta, Eastern, and Greater Accra regions of Ghana, who work in the space of WPS.
The course provides a unique forum to engage women from diverse backgrounds, sectors and further avails an opportunity to build relationships and develop viable WPS networks at the grassroots level, he said.
“This will help the women to not only implement policies and programs on women, peace and security, but also harness their voices and agency to inform policies that affect women in their localities most importantly during this electioneering period in Ghana”, he stated.
The Paramount Queen of Alavanyo Traditional Area – Mamaga Ametor Hoebuadzu II, affirmed her belief that women from her community and beyond, require comprehensive training on peace and security, having witnessed the devastating impact of the Alavanyo-Nkonya conflict.
She added that women’s unique experiences and perspectives make them invaluable assets in peacebuilding, however, cultural and social barriers often hinder our full participation, and thus stated that the training would enhance women’s conflict resolution skills, amplify their voices in decision-making, and foster inclusive community engagement.
Present at the opening ceremony were Mrs. Agnes Agbevadi – Senior Programme Officer – WYPSI, Course Facilitators and Participants.
By Kofi Ampeah-Woode
