The Centre for Gender Research, Advocacy, and Documentation (CEGRAD) at the University of Cape Coast has launched its 10th-anniversary celebrations with the hope of becoming a world-acclaimed Centre of Excellence for Gender issues in the next decade.
The Centre which was established in 2013 will this August celebrate its 10th anniversary on the theme, “CEGRAD, yesterday, today and the future: Gender Activism at UCC and beyond.”
Leading the gathering to launch the anniversary celebrations, Pro Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, Professor Rosemond Boohene lauded all who have helped CEGRAD UCC to live up to its mandate which includes facilitating the protection of women’s rights and the promotion of gender equity at UCC and beyond.
“As the Centre marks its 10th year in existence, I congratulate all who have been part of this journey. I say ayekoo to all the pioneers who have in diverse ways contributed immensely to bring CEGRAD this far,” she noted.
Reacting to the theme for the celebration, Prof Rosemond Boohene said she is optimistic that in ten years to come the Centre will receive worldwide recognition as a Centre making significant contributions to gender issues across the globe.
The establishment of CEGRAD UCC
Giving a brief background behind the formation of CEGRAD UCC, Professor Domwini Dabire Kuupole, a Former Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast and in whose tenure of office CEGRAD UCC was established narrated that “One morning, a team of ladies walked into my office, said Prof, we have been toying with this idea for several years. We never had any hearing. We believe you will hear us today.”
According to him, he decided to give them attention and after they presented the matter, he told them he is in for it paving the way for them to present a proposal outlining the ideas they had upon his request.
He went on to indicate that they brought a proposal within a week and he was willing to allow for the establishment of the Centre.
“But then we had to go through the processes. And so CEGRAD UCC was created,” he said.
The Centre is said to have been established after a critical and conscious decision was taken to apply a gender lens to all that is done in UCC.
Meanwhile, Prof Kuupole is advocating for the upgrading of the Centre to the status of a Directorate or an Institute so it can do more.
“We have a director. Why don’t we think of upgrading the Centre to an Institute or to a Directorate so that we can give it a better picture, we can give it a better understanding?” he questioned.
On his part, Prof. Francis Eric Amuquandoh who chaired the ceremony believes the conscious decision taken to establish the Centre has paid off well.
To him, the contributions of the Centre have added to making UCC a world-class University.
“That decision that was taken about ten years ago has bear fruit and is worth celebrating. It has contributed in making UCC the number one in Ghana, the number one in West Africa, and fourth in Africa,” he intimated.
It is said that when universities are being rated, gender issues become a very important element that is being considered.
Following the launch, programmes to be held in commemoration of the anniversary celebration include Fundraising, Publicity Activities, Documentary Production, taking into stock their dealings with their stakeholders and other partners, an Open Day celebration marked by a Movie Hour and a mountain of stands to show what the Centre has done so far.
in addition will be a Health Screening and Security Education from the Police of the University of Cape Coast as a side attraction, undertaking some research to have a publication which will be hosted by Ghana Journal for Sociology and Anthropology and then a Grand Durbar on August 15.
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Source: Rosemond Asmah/ATLFMNEWS
