2020
Eugene Alagskomah
- Age: 32
- | They/them/their
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An examination of the laws in most countries reveal that there are still laws that entrench inequality and discrimination while criminalizing fundamental liberties. If we need to ensure equality, protect liberties, and promote the participation of excluded groups, a review and revision of our laws is nonnegotiable.
- Eugene Alagskomah
Bio
Eugene Alagskomah was born and raised in Ghana. They are currently working toward their Bachelor of Laws at University of Ghana. As a Programs Advocacy Officer at Community Development and Advocacy Centre, Eugene is responsible for providing strategic leadership and direction, building and strengthening relationships with relevant stakeholders, planning and coordinating community mobilization and education activities, and training field officers on community mobilization and gender issues. As a Programs Officer at Commonwealth Youth Peace Ambassadors Network, they drive the implementation of the organization’s activities in Ghana, motivate young people to design and implement their own actions for peace using their own creativity and resources, create real and digital spaces for young people to share ideas and resources to promote sustainable world peace, and advocate for meaningful youth participation in peace building and the fight against violent extremism. Additionally, Eugene is an ACTIVISTA member at ACTIONAID and STAR Ghana’s Social Inclusion Movement member.
What ignited your pursuit for gender equality?
Women are entitled to the same constitutional and legal rights as men, they possess potentials, they nurture children and families, they drive businesses and economies, and above all, they are heroines, and when given equal opportunities as men, they can drive progress for all. These are the reasons why I have dedicated my life to promoting gender equality.
Please share your biggest wins as an advocate for gender equality.
When I was 17 years old, I organized a press conference to call for an abolition of the cultural practice of witch-hunting and its associated ills of the abuse of the fundamental human rights of women (alleged witches) in the Upper East Region of Ghana. This led to its abolition, and since 2015, there has been no recorded case of a false accusation of women of witchcraft and their subsequent abuse and inhumane treatment. Also, in Northern Ghana, culturally women are barred from chieftaincy and decision making. With funding from STAR Ghana (with support from USAID, USAID, and DFID), we were able to support the Traditional Councils of some Traditional Areas in the Upper East Region of Ghana to install Queen Mothers. Through this, women now form part of the Traditional Councils (the highest traditional decision-making body of the Traditional Area) where they contribute to decision making. Women's voices are now heard and they can take part in decision making on matters affecting their health, education, and welfare and that of their children.
Outside of your gender equality advocacy work, what do you enjoy doing?
Reading, debating with friends, and watching series.
Languages Spoken:
- English (Advanced/Native)
- French (Elementary)
Publications:
Speaks On:
- gender and the law
- SGBV
- women's political participation
- youth local governance and decision-making
Past Awards, Certifications, or Fellowships:
- Civic Leadership Certificate from the Young African Leaders Initiative West African Regional Leadership Centre (Harvard Law School - University of Ghana School of Law Exchange Program)
- Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI)
