What We Do
We work across multiple thematic areas to create lasting impact for women and youth in Ghana and West Africa.
Our Approach
At GenCED, we believe in the power of information-sharing, capacity building, and community service as tools for empowerment. We bridge knowledge gaps by conducting research, facilitating policy dialogues, advocacy and developing resources that enhance the participation of women and youth. Our work is rooted in the understanding that sustainable development is only possible when all voices—especially those of women and youth—are included in decision-making.
By integrating both traditional and modern knowledge management strategies, we ensure that critical information is passed down across generations, empowering individuals and communities to make informed decisions for their future.
Our Focus Areas
Gender Governance, Democracy, and Elections
Promoting women's participation in democratic governance and electoral processes.
Many countries across Africa, including Ghana, are yet to achieve gender parity in governance. Women remain underrepresented in parliament, district assemblies, corporate boards, and other key public positions. Even after more than two decades of implementing Ghana's decentralization policy, challenges persist in ensuring equal participation of women compared to men in governance and development. This underrepresentation limits women's ability to voice their concerns, advocate for gender-responsive policies, and drive progress toward achieving gender equality and inclusive development. Under our thematic area, Gender Governance, Democracy and Elections, GenCED is committed to bridging this gap through research, capacity building, and evidence-based advocacy. We work with key partners to ensure that women can fully and equally participate in decision-making and that gender-responsive laws, policies, budgets, and services are effectively implemented. Our efforts focus on integrating gender equality into political party structures, governance frameworks, and budgeting processes to create a more inclusive political and economic landscape.
Ending Violence Against Women & Girls
Advocating for the elimination of gender-based violence and harmful practices.
GenCED is committed to ensuring that all women and girls live free from all forms of violence, whether in private or public life. We adopt integrated approaches that combine advocacy, policy engagement, and monitoring to prevent violence against women and girls (VAWG) and promote positive social norms. Since 2021, GenCED has actively supported national advocacy efforts for the ratification of ILO Convention 190, which addresses sexual and gender-based violence in the world of work. Our work also focuses on strengthening monitoring mechanisms and establishing standards to eliminate VAWG. Additionally, we contribute to the development and implementation of national action plans aimed at preventing violence, fostering gender-responsive policies, and creating safer environments for women and girls. Through these efforts, we continue to push for systemic changes that protect women's rights.
Women, Peace & Security
Supporting women's participation in peacebuilding and security initiatives.
GenCED's work in advancing the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda is guided by key UN Security Council Resolutions—1325, 1820, 1888, 1889, 1960, 2106, 2122, 2242, 2467, and 2493—as well as related normative frameworks that promote women's role in peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and security governance. We advocate for the effective implementation of national action plans that ensure women and young women actively contribute to decision-making processes in conflict resolution, peace negotiations, and disaster prevention. Our efforts focus on strengthening women's participation in peacebuilding, enhancing their leadership in resilience-building initiatives, and ensuring they benefit equally from security interventions and mediation efforts. Through research, advocacy, and capacity-building, GenCED works to bridge the gender gap in peace and security governance, fostering inclusive and sustainable peace across Ghana and the West African region.
Human Rights Protection
Protecting women and human rights defenders across Ghana and West Africa.
GenCED's Human Rights Program envisions a world where all individuals can fully enjoy their rights, reach their potential, and live in dignity. By advocating for the realization of civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights, as outlined in the U.N.'s Universal Declaration of Human Rights and international law, we work to protect and empower marginalized communities. Through the GenCED-AfricanDefenders Ubuntu Hub City initiative, we provide protection and support to women and human rights defenders facing threats in their countries, ensuring they can continue their vital work in safer environments across Africa.
Gender & Climate Change
Advocating for gender-responsive climate action and environmental justice.
Climate change knows no gender, but it disproportionately affects women and girls, exacerbating existing gender inequalities and posing unique threats to their livelihoods, health, and safety. Additionally, recent global events highlight the urgent need for greater focus and action in addressing climate change. This has fueled GenCED's commitment to advocating for measures that enhance the resilience of women and girls to its impacts.
Flagship Programmes
Our signature initiatives that have made significant impact across the region.
Young Women Political Leadership School
A comprehensive capacity building program for young women interested in political leadership. The school provides training in political communication, campaign management, policy analysis, and leadership skills.
West African Young Women in Politics Forum
A regional platform that brings together young women politicians from across West Africa for peer learning, networking, and collective advocacy. The forum facilitates exchange of experiences and best practices.
Partner With Us
Interested in collaborating with us on a project? We'd love to hear from you. Together, we can create greater impact.