By Kofi Sekyiama Pobi.
The Centre for Gender Research Advocacy and Documentation (CEGRAD), at the University of Cape Coast has stepped up its mandate in advocacy to help improve gender-based issues within the University Community. In line with this, a 2-day capacity building has been held for staff and faculty to increase their understanding of issues on gender mainstreaming, and sexual harassment.
Coordinator for Outreach and Advocacy, Dr. Addai Mununkum said the centre has initiated a lot of innovative modules and also involved students in a number sensitisation sessions.
”It is only prudent to train new staff on CEGRAD’s mandate and how they can conform and help, in its quest to achieve the set objectives.’’
She noted that the Centre has been partnering the media to disseminate information on gender issues within the University catchment areas.
For her part, Director of CEGRAD, Dr Georgina Yaa Oduro, said the Centre has initiated a number of advocacy programs, that have positively impacted on changing the narrative, especially on sexual harassment and other nefarious acts against both sexes.
According to her, CEGRAD’s advocacy programs also culminated in the current enviable ranking of the University of Cape Coast being adjudged, the number 1 University in West Africa.
Dr Oduro hinted that the Centre has also identified a new trend of relationships among students, which is cohabitation.
A trend she believed affects students’ academic performance and also their moral lives.
A Research Fellow at the Centre, Dr Dorothy Takyiwaa expressed gratitude to CEGRAD for empowering the students, believing that this would propel them to attain heights in their academic endeavours. I am happy to note that,
‘’The centre provides an avenue for the students and staff who go through some form of harassment and trauma to have their concerns addressed by a team of Counsellors and Researchers,’’ Dr. Takyiwaa noted.
