By Angela Adu-Asomaning and Naomi Amissah
The Women of Dignity Alliance has encouraged women and young girls, especially those in vulnerable communities, to speak up against all forms of discrimination and actively advocate for rights and dignity in society.
Its Executive Director, Susana Dartey, called for safe spaces for vulnerable women, particularly those living in slums. She made this call in Accra at an event to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the organization.
She highlighted the Women of Dignity Alliance’s ongoing efforts in educating women about their rights and empowering them to use their voices for change.
The Women of Dignity Alliance (WODA), a non-governmental organization dedicated to the empowerment of women and girls, marked its 10th anniversary under the theme “Accelerate Action: Empowering Women and Girls in Marginalized Communities for Success.”
Under the leadership of Executive Director Susana Dartey, WODA has grown into a formidable force in the fight against abuse, gender inequality, and socio-economic exclusion. Working closely with training facilitators and community leaders, WODA has implemented sustainable initiatives aimed at transforming the lives of vulnerable women. A hallmark of WODA’s approach is its innovative use of interactive theatre as a transformative tool for advocacy and attitudinal change.
“A lot of women who go through abuse don’t know how to speak for themselves, so we take them through advocacy training to help them advocate for themselves,” Ms. Dartey explained.
Monitoring Officer for WODA, Ophelia Allotey, emphasized the importance of conducting baseline studies before implementing any project. She noted that these studies are critical for understanding the knowledge levels, needs, and realities of participants, especially women in marginalized communities.
“We conduct baseline studies to find out what they really need. This is because what might work for a participant in Chorkor might not work for a participant in Jamestown. When we do the baseline, we know how to go about it,” she said.
Some beneficiaries of WODA’s various empowerment programs shared their experiences, describing their journeys as overwhelmingly positive and life-changing.
“I have been with the WODA team for three years, and I have not regretted a single day. It has been an interesting journey,” one beneficiary said. “My dream of becoming a hairdresser was accomplished after joining WODA. They sponsored my training fully, and I’m grateful for that.”
The Queen Mother of Mamprobi, Naa Obeye Dromo, applauded WODA for its unwavering commitment to empowering women and girls in marginalized communities.
“Teenage pregnancy and girls’ education were a worry to us, but with the help of some NGOs, the girls are now given education and other life skills,” she stated.
