Towards Inclusion: Strengthening the Voices of Women and Girls with Disabilities

May 11, 2026

UNDP Ghana_Disability.jpeg — A facilitator guides a participant through tactile communication techniques during various session.

Photos: Ernestina Ocansey / @UNDP Ghana

Advancing disability inclusion requires a targeted approach, focusing on strengthening the capacity of those often left behind. With support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and funding from the United Nations Global Disability Fund, (UN-GDF), the Ghana National Association of the Deaf convened a pivotal 2-day workshop for women and girls with disabilities.

The initiative aimed to build crucial knowledge on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and Ghana's Persons with Disability Act (Act 715), while simultaneously fostering leadership, advocacy, and data-driven capacity among participants.

The workshop served as a vital platform for dialogue and commitment from key stakeholders. Juventus Duorinaah, Executive Director of the Ghana National Association of the Deaf, underscored the fundamental importance of this initiative. He noted that, “Building the capacity of women and girls with disabilities is essential to empowering them to claim their rights and take up leadership roles. He noted that limited confidence and persistent barriers continue to restrict their ability to contribute meaningfully, making targeted support like this critical for advancing inclusion.”

Dr Edward Ampratwum, Head of Transformative Governance Cluster, UNDP Ghana, in his opening remarks, highlighted the strategic significance of the workshop within Ghana's broader inclusivity agenda. He emphasized, “The workshop represents a strategic moment in Ghana’s ongoing efforts to promote inclusivity. He emphasized that it seeks to strengthen the participation of women and girls with disabilities and enhance collective efforts towards more inclusive development and decision-making.” He emphasised that this underscores a proactive approach to development that includes all citizens.

The persistent challenges faced by women with disabilities were further highlighted by Edwin Kweku Andoh, Executive Secretary of the National Council on Persons with Disability. He shared, “Women with disabilities continue to face barriers that limit their participation in leadership and decision-making. He explained that the programme is designed to build their capacity and equip them with the tools needed to confidently take up leadership roles and advocate for their rights.” This directly addresses the need for tailored interventions that equips women and girls with disabilities the confidence and skills to navigate these obstacles.

The personal narratives shared during the workshop underscored the profound impact of inadequate support systems and the transformative power of targeted empowerment.

Bernice Yawo Agboda, a member of the Ghana Association of Persons with Albinism, recounted her personal struggle with low vision in education: “Due to low vision, I struggled to see what was written on the board in school. I often had to rely on my lecturer’s notes to keep up. Over time, when the notes were no longer shared with me, it became increasingly difficult to follow lessons. My performance began to decline, and eventually, I had to drop out of school. My experience reflects the challenges many persons with disabilities face in accessing inclusive education and why stronger support systems are essential to ensure no one is left behind.” Her story is a stark reminder of the systemic gaps that still exist.

Professor Augustina Naami, a Professor at the University of Ghana, Legon, shared her inspiring journey of overcoming adversity: “At just 2 years old, I contracted polio, which affected my mobility and required me to use crutches. My family and I did everything we could to fight it. One of my biggest challenges came during high school, when authorities advised my parents to withdraw me and pursue a trade instead, despite meeting the requirements. That moment could have ended my dreams, but I chose to persevere. I went on to university and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics. Along the way, I saw the gap in support for persons with disabilities and made the decision to be part of the solution. Today, I actively engage with disability organizations to advocate for change and inclusion.” Her perseverance and commitment to advocacy are a testament to the potential unleashed when women and girls are supported to overcome barriers.

A woman in a colorful patterned dress speaks at a podium during a Ghana National Association of the Deaf event. — Professor Augustina Naami, a Professor at the University of Ghana, Legon

The workshop focused on translating knowledge into actionable skills, with a continued emphasis on practical tools and confidence-building exercises. Participants delved into topics such as understanding the legal frameworks governing their rights, effective communication strategies for advocacy, leadership development, and utilizing data for evidence-based policymaking. These sessions were designed to empower participants to actively engage in leadership and decision-making spaces, ensuring their perspectives are integral to shaping a more inclusive Ghana.

The vision of this workshop highlights the critical need for continued investment and collaboration in empowering persons with disabilities. Further partnerships are essential to scale up such initiatives, reaching more women and girls across Ghana and ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of equitable development and societal progress.