Annual ECOGIV Project Meeting, 6-8/10/2024

The ECOGIV project held its annual meeting from October 6th to 10th at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), bringing together international delegations from UiT, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Ghana to discuss project progress, research milestones, and future plans. The meeting provided a platform for reviewing the current status of ECOGIV, particularly the progress of affiliated PhD and Postdoctoral researchers, and mapped out strategic goals for the next two years.

The gathering began with a formal visit to UCC’s leadership, where ECOGIV partners were welcomed by prominent members of the university, including the Pro Vice Chancellor, the Provost of the College of Educational Studies, the Provost of the College of Humanities, the Registrar, the Director of Public Affairs, the Dean of the School of Economics and Management, the Dean of the Office of International Relations, and a representative from the Center of Coastal Management. The presence of these influential figures underscored UCC's commitment to the ECOGIV project’s goals and its support for international collaboration.

Spotlight on Gender Equality: "Breaking Through the Glass Ceiling" Workshop, 9/10/2024

In conjunction with the annual meeting, UCC organized a gender workshop titled "Breaking Through the Glass Ceiling." The workshop attracted over 60 women from across the university community and emphasized mentorship, representation, and the empowerment of women in academia. Gloria, an ECOGIV postdoc, led the program, which was chaired by an esteemed Emeritus Professor, alongside a panel featuring two UCC associate professors. Guest speakers Ngoc Quach (associate professor from NTU) and Claire Armstrong (professor from UiT) gave insights into effective mentoring practices, stimulating an active Q&A session and group discussions.

The workshop concluded with a list of recommendations for the UCC leadership, addressing the need for enhanced female representation in university committees and decision-making forums. A strong call was made for the establishment of a mentorship program aimed at supporting women’s career advancement and tackling the persistent barriers that hinder women in academia.

Moving Forward

The ECOGIV project partners left Cape Coast with a renewed commitment to their shared objectives and with plans in place to further the project's impact over the next two years. The gender workshop’s outcome is expected to inspire positive change within UCC, with follow-up actions set to address the suggestions raised, laying a path toward greater inclusion and representation.