UCC-IEPA and CEGRAD Launch "Women Leading Change in Africa" to Empower 1,000 Female Educators

The Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (IEPA) and the Centre for Gender Research, Advocacy and Documentation (CEGRAD) have launched the "Women Leading Change in Africa" programme, a landmark initiative aimed at transforming the educational landscape in Ghana. Supported by UNESCO, the programme is designed to equip 1,000 female educational professionals with essential digital skills and leadership capabilities by the end of 2027. This collaboration addresses the urgent need to bridge digital and Artificial Intelligence (AI) competency gaps that have historically limited women's advancement in academia and educational management.

Central to the initiative is a focus on overcoming structural barriers that women face within the academic sector. Prof. Michael Boakye-Yiadom, Director-General of the IEPA, emphasized that high-level capacity building is critical for empowering women to navigate and lead through the ongoing digital transformation. The programme will offer a blend of free online training and micro-certifications through the International Institute of Online Education (IIOE) platform, alongside targeted in-person sessions. This dual approach ensures that female educators are not only proficient in modern tools but also prepared for high-level leadership roles.

Prof. Eunice Fay Amissah of CEGRAD highlighted the importance of inclusivity in technology access, noting that without intentional intervention, the digital divide could reproduce existing gender inequalities. By focusing on both technical proficiency and leadership development, the initiative seeks to honor and build upon Africa's tradition of female leadership. The programme is expected to influence educational leadership across Ghana and aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) regarding quality education and gender equality. As the project rolls out through November 2027, it stands as a pivotal step toward ensuring that Ghana’s digital future is inclusive and led by a diverse cohort of skilled professionals.