Gender Equity & Inclusion

Women on the Rise

Dismantling institutional barriers and empowering women leaders across Ghana's Civil Service.

Partner on Gender Initiatives

120+

Gender Desk Officers Trained

7,000+

Students Reached in Leadership Tours

1,000+

Participants in Equity Walks

Ministries with Mentorship Systems

Policy Briefs & Studies Published

150+

Stakeholders in RiWoCo Conferences

Institutional Transformation

Strengthening Gender Responsiveness in Public Service

Launched in 2024 with support from Co-Impact in partnership with the Office of the Head of Civil Service (OHCS), Women on the Rise is a systemic reform initiative in the public service. focusing on gender inclusion and diversity. This two-year project (2024-2025) contributes to dismantling patriarchal systems and discriminatory practices that hinder young women's leadership. EPL Ghana collaborates with the Office of the Head of Civil Service and key partners to create the National Gender Diversity Taskforce and the Female coaching and mentoring initiative support female professionals to lead, influence policy and occupy decision making roles.

Pillar 01

National Gender Diversity Taskforce

The National Gender Diversity Taskforce, inaugurated on October 17, 2024, marks a crucial step toward breaking gender barriers in Ghana’s public sector. Initiated under the Women on the Rise project, the taskforce is led by the Office of the Head of Civil Service (OHCS) and supported by Emerging Public Leaders of Ghana (EPL Ghana). The task force advocates for gender-inclusive policies, monitoring progress in leadership roles, and empowering women to increase participation in decision-making in Ghana, which is currently less than 30 per cent. The task force is chaired by the Head of Office of the Civil Service. It has 6 member representatives from the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development.

Pillar 02

Female Coaching and Mentoring

The Female Coaching and Mentoring Initiative, implemented under the Women on the Rise Project, supports women in Ghana’s public service to strengthen their leadership capacity, build professional confidence, and advance their careers. The initiative provides structured coaching and mentoring opportunities that connect women with experienced leaders and professionals within the Public Service who offer guidance and support women professionals in preparing for leadership positions. The Female Coaching and Mentoring Initiative contributes to fostering a more inclusive public service by empowering women to realise their leadership potential, advance their careers, and make meaningful contributions to institutional and national development.

Pillar 03

Youth Leadership & Empowerment Tour

Supported by Ghana Education Service to reach 7,000+ secondary students, encouraging girls and students with disabilities to champion equity. The Youth Leadership and Empowerment Tour Leadership Tour focused on enlightening young people on Gender Inclusion and Diversity. The initiative was successfully implemented across selected Senior High Schools in the Volta, Eastern, Ashanti, and Central Regions. It aimed to promote awareness, dialogue, and action regarding gender inclusion and diversity in leadership among young people. Through interactive workshops, mentorship sessions, and leadership forums, the programme engaged students in meaningful discussions about inclusive leadership, equal representation and the role of young people in ensuring a more equitable future. The week-long activities provided a platform for young leaders to explore pathways to public service while challenging existing gender norms and inspiring a new generation of inclusive change-makers.

Pillar 04

Rise Women Conference (RiWoCo)

Annual strategic convening bringing together civil service heads, civil society, academia, and development partners for gender-inclusive policy dialogue.