WAWEN Strengthens Women’s Leadership Through Gender Training on Power and Confidence
Education Internation Africa (EI Africa), through the West African Women in Education Network (WAWEN), held an online gender training from 21-22 April 2026. The meeting focused on power dynamics, leadership, and women’s participation within education unions.
The training was held under the theme, “From Awareness to Action: Addressing Power Imbalances Within Education Union.” It brought together women union leaders, members, and gender coordinators from across West Africa to share experiences, strengthen skills, and promote inclusive leadership.
Day One: Understanding Power and Inclusive Leadership
In his opening remarks, the EI Africa Regional Director, Dr. Dennis Sinyolo, reaffirmed EI Africa’s commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment and stressed the intentionality behind it. He noted that while progress has been made, women remain under-represented in leadership positions and often face barriers in influencing decision-making. According to him, power in unions is not always visible and is often shaped by structures, norms, and informal practices that exclude women.
He acknowledged that “power imbalance is not only a gender issue, but also a matter of justice, effectiveness and the legitimacy of our unions as representatives of all educators” as such there is a need for “deliberate action to ensure women’s voices and influence are fully realized within unions”. He called on participants to move beyond awareness and take concrete action to transform power relations within unions.
A key session on recognising and addressing power imbalances within unions was delivered by Ratanang Baleseng, EI Africa Regional Coordinator. She explained how power operates in formal, informal, structural, and cultural ways within unions. She highlighted how gender inequality, age hierarchies, and social norms often marginalise women and young educators. The session stressed that inclusive unions are stronger unions and that power must be shared. For change to happen, it requires action and collective effort.
The day also featured a panel discussion and experience sharing, involving experienced former women union leaders from Ghana, where participants reflected on their realities within union spaces and discussed practical ways to challenge exclusion and strengthen women’s participation.
Day Two: Building Confidence and Moving to Action
Day two focused on practical skills and next steps. A presentation on building confidence and assertiveness was led by the WAWEN Coordinator, Rebecca Ocran Abaidoo. The session explored the difference between confidence, assertiveness, and aggression, and examined how women are often discouraged from speaking up in leadership spaces.
Participants discussed common barriers faced by women leaders and shared tools to help women claim their space, speak with clarity, and challenge bias respectfully. The session encouraged women leaders to support one another, document progress, and mentor younger union members.
Strengthening Inclusive and Democratic Unions
The training concluded with closing remarks by Ratanang Baleseng, EI Africa Regional Coordinator, who encouraged participants to translate learning into action within their unions. She emphasised that addressing power imbalances is not only a gender issue, but also a matter of justice, democracy, and union effectiveness.
The WAWEN virtual meeting reaffirmed EI Africa’s commitment to building inclusive, representative, and democratic education unions, where women participate fully and meaningfully in leadership and decision making.