A Story from Accra: Tradition, Effectiveness, and Shared Knowledge

At first, some participants wondered why gender should matter in military affairs. The Ghana Armed Forces have a proud tradition of service, rooted in discipline, unity, and respect for community. But as the training unfolded, it became clear that paying attention to gender was not a break with tradition-it was a continuation of it. Just as Ghanaian communities have long recognized the importance of men and women in ensuring harmony, safety, and prosperity, so too could the Armed Forces use this understanding to strengthen modern military operations.

The Dutch team helped the soldiers through scenarios where men, women, boys, and girls experienced conflict in different ways. The groups quickly realized that ignoring these differences could lead to blind spots, weakening operations. One officer noted:

"This course made me understand that gender is not only about women-it is about differences, opportunities, and effectiveness. Using the gender lens will make our operations stronger."

This insight struck a chord. By integrating gender perspectives, operations became not only more effective but also more legitimate in the eyes of the local populations they served. The soldiers recognized that protecting a village required understanding who fetched the water, who tilled the fields, who cared for children, and who carried burdens in times of crisis. Such awareness was not abstract-it meant saving lives, avoiding misunderstandings, and building trust.

On the final day, participants stood tall before their imagined commanders, delivering pitches that argued with conviction: gender integration is not optional-it is operational. Their words carried the weight of both tradition and progress, of soldiers determined to honor their past while preparing for future challenges.

When the course concluded, the room buzzed with energy. Soldiers exchanged stories, laughed over shared struggles in exercises, and spoke of how they would apply their new insights in their units. Knowledge had been shared freely, and in the process, lives have been enriched.

The Dutch team left Accra with a sense of pride, knowing that the seeds planted over three days would continue to grow in the Ghana Armed Forces. And the Ghanaian soldiers carried home more than certificates: they carried a renewed understanding that attention to gender strengthens tradition, makes operations more effective, and improves the lives of those who serve-and those they serve to protect.