The exchange visit hosted by Ghana, was held ahead of the 8^th March 2021 International Women’s Day. The European Union and ECOWAS within the framework of the Support to Free Movement of Persons and Migration in West Africa (FMM West Africa) and SBS Ghana projects, jointly fund the initiative. The International Centre implements the project for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD)

International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.

Significant activities such as the Exchange Visit by the Nigerian Immigration Service’s Gender Unit hosted by the Ghana Immigration Service’s Gender Unit is a commendable example of the commitment of both national institutions to promote gender parity. This year's theme for International Women's Day is ‘CHOOSE TO CHALLENGE’

The aim of the exchange visit is to provide a unique opportunity for both the GIS and NIS to share their experiences on the process, scope and focus of their respective gender strategies. The expected outcomes of the visit include: 

a.         Increased collaboration between the Gender Units of the NIS and the GIS

b.         Institute a model of technical cooperation between the NIS and GIS to set a standard, inspire the other ECOWAS Member States, and prepare the basis for a possible future multi-lateral engagement in the region.

c.         Conduct a rapid assessment of the structure and the status of the Gender Units’ progression towards a fully implemented strategy this assessment will form the basis for future evaluation of the impact of the gender strategies of both countries.