According to Madam Veronica Denyo Kofiedu, President of the Women with Disability Development and Advocacy Organization (WODAO), strengthening the capacity of women, particularly those with disabilities, can help to address society’s many inequalities.
She revealed this during a one-day Self-Advocacy workshop for 20 women with disabilities in the Ho Municipality organized by WODAO to empower them to participate in community decision-making and access social services more easily.
She stated that women and girls with disabilities, including those with mental health issues and psychosocial disabilities, continue to face intersecting barriers to their rights and participation in our society, lending credence to the training designed to address inequality.
“Our project’s overall goal is to help address the entrenched socio-cultural stigma and discrimination,” she added.
“We anticipate that the capacity support will help reduce the vulnerability of the women and project their positive image as equal contributors to the development of their community,” Madam Kofiedu added.
She stated that the project would empower the beneficiaries to be assertive and begin self-advocating for themselves, as well as fully participate in local decision-making processes knowing their rights and privileges.
She encouraged participants to be assertive and stand their ground while avoiding confrontation or aggression, as well as to practice empathy, use positive body language, and communicate effectively.
She outlined the benefits of negotiation as promoting mutual understanding and respect between parties, which can lead to mutually beneficial outcomes because both parties can find a solution that meets their needs while allowing flexibility and the ability to explore different options.
Madam Adade cited loss of trust and failure risks as disadvantages of negotiation and urged participants to follow the principles.
Some beneficiaries who spoke with GNA expressed gratitude to WODAO and its partners for advocating for their rights and well-being.
A beneficiary, Madam Clementina Borley, stated that the training provided them with the opportunity to be vocal and fight for their rights in the community space.