At the January 2003 Summit in Dakar, the Authority approved the establishment of a Gender Technical Commission a Gender Division within the Executive Secretariat, and the transformation of WAWA into ECOWAS Gender Development Centre. As part of its key activities, the Center is involved in development of a Regional Policy and Advocacy on Sexual Harassment (an aspect of Gender-based Violence) in the Working Place and Educational Institutions.
Objectives of the Center
- To mobilize women and empower them to be active participants in the regional integration process;
- To mainstream Gender in ECOWAS institutions and member States;
- Work with Member States to implement the Gender Policy and Strategic Plan
- Research into gender issues
- Work with Member States to collect, collate and analyze sex-disaggregated dataWork with Member States to collect, collate and analyze sex-disaggregated data
- Conduct sensitization, training and capacity building in Member States
- Perform an advocacy role
- Network and form partnerships with Civil Society
- To disseminate information through various media including a news letter
