Women On The Rise Project
The Women on the Rise Project strengthens Ghana’s public service to be gender-responsive, inclusive, and equitable, by dismantling institutional barriers and empowering women leaders.
The Women on the Rise Project, implemented by EPL Ghana in partnership with the Office of the Head of Civil Service (OHCS), is a transformative initiative dedicated to advancing gender responsiveness across Ghana’s public institutions. Launched in 2024 with funding support from Co-Impact, the project empowers women through mentorship, coaching, and leadership development programmes designed to nurture a new generation of female leaders driving systemic change. By strengthening institutional commitment to gender equality, promoting inclusive leadership practices, and fostering sustained investment in women’s professional growth, the initiative is catalyzing structural reforms that ensure long-term empowerment and representation of women within Ghana’s public service.
Our Impact in Numbers
80+
Gender Desk Officers trained
7000+
Students reached through leadership and empowerment tours
1000+
Participants in gender equity walks
13
Policy briefs and studies published
23
Ministries with established mentorship structures
150+
Stakeholders engaged through Rise Women Conferences
outcomes
Advancing Women Leadership
Development of gender mainstreaming SOPs, mentorship systems, and leadership training across ministries. These initiatives aim to build the capacity of women in the civil service, enhance their confidence, and prepare them for leadership roles. Through targeted coaching and institutional support, the project fosters an environment where women can thrive, lead, and influence policy and decision-making processes at all levels.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Inclusive Leaders
The tour, supported by the Ghana Education Service, created vibrant dialogue, mentorship, and empowerment spaces. Through workshops and forums, students, particularly girls and students with disabilities, were encouraged to explore leadership roles, challenge stereotypes, and champion equity in their schools and communities.
KEY SUCCESS
Inauguration of the National Gender Diversity Taskforce
The National Gender Diversity Taskforce inaugurated on October 17, 2024 and hosted by the Office of the Head of Civil Service (OHCS) is leading institutional reforms to advocate for gender-inclusive policies, increase women’s participation within the Civil Service, monitor progress of women’s leadership in decision-making in Ghana, which is currently less than 30 percent.
The taskforce is currently chaired by the Head of Civil Service with a six(6) member composition and with representation from the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection(MoGCSP), Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MoFEP), the Ministry of Health(MoH), Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affair
Rise Women Conference (RiwoCo)
The Rise Women Conference is an annual convening championed by Emerging Public Leaders of Ghana in partnership with Co-Impact to provide a strategic platform to advance gender inclusive policy dialogue, advocate for women’s leadership and strengthen institutional collaboration in achieving Ghana’s affirmative action commitments for inclusive sustainable development.
The maiden conference was held in August, 2024 with representation from public sector organisations, such as the Civil Service of Ghana and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection; Civil Society Organisations and Non-Governmental Organizations; Academia and Development Research Institutions and Partners. The 2025 conference was scheduled for August 13-14.
Excerpts from the Rise Women Conference
