In an innovative partnership aimed at fostering gender equality and capacity development, the University for Development Studies (UDS) on March 28, 2024, joined forces with Social Innovation Africa (SIA) and NORSAAC.

This collaboration was sealed by a Memorandum of Understanding, which marks a significant milestone in the journey towards inclusivity and empowerment of women.

At the heart of this collaboration, the partners agreed to a shared commitment to work towards unleashing the full potential of female students and workers within the university community.

The University has established a dedicated gender unit which is poised to harness the collective expertise and resources of SIA and NORSAAC in driving meaningful change among women in Northern Ghana and beyond.

The partnership seeks to develop and build innovative capacity development programs tailored to the unique needs and aspirations of women at UDS. Through workshops, mentorship initiatives, and skills-building sessions, participants will have the opportunity to cultivate their talents, pursue their passions, and break through traditional barriers.

Central to the success of this endeavor is the unwavering support and leadership of key figures within the university led by Vice Chancellor, Prof. Seidu Alhassan, the Registrar, Mr. Nurudeen Abubakar and the Director of Finance, Dr. Hardi Mohammed Shaibu. The UDS leadership stands ready to champion the cause of gender equality within the university and its catchment area.

Representatives of NORSAAC and SIA present at the ceremony were Hafsatu Sey Sumani, the lead fellow and Anatu Ben-Lawal, the Chief Executive Officer respectively, whose presence served as the formalization of this transformative collaboration. Amidst an atmosphere of enthusiasm and anticipation, plans were set in motion to propel women at UDS towards greater opportunities and achievements.

As the collaborative efforts unfold, this partnership will serve as beacons of inspiration of women towards empowerment and equality. Together, UDS, SIA, and NORSAAC are rewriting the narrative, one partnership at a time, moving into a future where gender barriers are a thing of the past, and every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

Kuyipwa Elsie (UDS Media)