Accra: The Savannah Women Integrated Development Agency (SWIDA-Ghana), a non-governmental organization, has conducted a training workshop to enhance the advocacy skills of women groups, boosting their involvement in agriculture and various economic activities.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Leadership and Agricultural Policy Advocacy Training is part of the ‘Strengthening Women’s Voice and Leadership in Agricultural Policy and Economic Justice in Northern Ghana’ project, funded by the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF). This initiative aims to equip participants with the necessary skills to engage effectively with duty-bearers on issues affecting their livelihoods, increase their visibility in decision-making spaces, and influence policies in agriculture and agribusiness.
The workshop covered essential topics such as leadership styles, qualities of effective leaders, advocacy strategies, women’s empowerment, and economic justice. Hajia Alima Sagito-Saeed, Executive Director of SWIDA-Ghana, emphasized that the training is part of broader efforts to empower women to advocate for their rights and address systemic challenges in the agricultural sector. Developing advocacy skills is crucial for promoting equitable access to resources and advancing the economic empowerment of rural women, she added.
Participants were encouraged to use the training to influence policies that promote resilience and inclusive development. Mr. Baako Abdulai Mumuni, a retired agricultural officer and facilitator, stressed the importance of visionary, honest, and service-oriented leadership. He advised participants to create inclusive environments within their groups, irrespective of religion, gender, ethnicity, or ability. Moreover, he suggested developing realistic budgets and proposals to support advocacy initiatives and attract funding for community-based projects. He also encouraged the formation of groups to access government interventions like the Feed Ghana programme.
Dr. Gloria Boakyewaa Adu, Managing Director of Eagle Pack Innovation Limited and a participant, described the training as timely and empowering. She noted that her organization supports women and youth farmers in the Tolon District and that the training had provided her with tools for effective advocacy. She stated that advocacy requires time, patience, realistic goal-setting, and persistence.
Participants expressed their gratitude to SWIDA-Ghana and its partners for the training and committed to applying the knowledge gained to drive inclusive development in their communities.