Book IWD Speaker: Josephine Worlali Adatsi

I am a Ghanaian gender equality advocate, youth leadership strategist, peacebuilding practitioner, communications professional and award-winning public speaker working at the intersection of gender equality, women’s leadership, youth development, peace and security, and strategic communications.

I have spoken on national, continental and international platforms, contributing to conversations on women’s empowerment, leadership, youth participation, sustainable development and social change. My speaking engagements include the Global Female Entrepreneurs Summit, Speakers Worldwide, the African Youth SDG Summit and the African Digital Summit, among other platforms. I have also participated in conversations and leadership engagements across Kenya, Tanzania and other African countries, bringing African perspectives to discussions on leadership, gender equality and youth development.

My engagement with the United Nations Volunteers has included contributing to global training sessions on digital communications, particularly creating effective social media content and communicating development work through compelling digital storytelling. I have also engaged with the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), contributing to conversations and learning spaces around peace and security, Women, Peace and Security (WPS), Youth, Peace and Security (YPS), and inclusive peacebuilding.

Beyond the speaking stage, I am the founder of the JWA Initiative, through which I design and lead initiatives that equip women and young people with leadership, communication and public speaking skills. My work creates opportunities for young women to build confidence, strengthen their voices and take up leadership positions. I have trained more than 1,000 members and facilitated capacity-building engagements, including communication and public speaking training for young women in Somaliland.

I also serve as Gender Director of Africa Youth Forum International and am an alumna of the UNFPA Youth Leaders Fellowship Programme in Ghana. These experiences have strengthened my engagement with gender-responsive development, youth participation, advocacy, governance and the role of women and young people in shaping policy and decision-making.

In 2025, I received the Global Impact in Women & Youth Empowerment Award at The Ascension: ScholarUP Global Conference.

My areas of speaking expertise include women’s leadership and empowerment, gender equality, women’s rights, youth leadership, youth participation, Women, Peace and Security, Youth, Peace and Security, peacebuilding, conflict prevention, inclusive governance, sustainable development, public speaking, strategic communications, digital advocacy and leadership development.

What distinguishes my approach is the combination of advocacy, practical programme leadership, institutional engagement and communication expertise. I draw from my experiences working with young people, engaging development and peacebuilding institutions, leading initiatives and speaking to diverse audiences across Africa. I bring an African-centred and intergenerational perspective to the stage, connecting policy discussions to lived experiences and practical solutions.

I am available for keynote addresses, panel discussions, conference presentations, fireside conversations, leadership dialogues, moderation and capacity-building sessions. I particularly enjoy platforms that challenge conventional perspectives, amplify women’s and young people’s voices, and inspire meaningful participation in shaping a more equal, inclusive and peaceful society.

I welcome opportunities to speak, collaborate and contribute to meaningful conversations across conferences, summits, leadership programmes and development platforms. For speaking invitations, partnerships and enquiries, please reach me at akuadatsi52@gmail.com. I look forward to connecting and exploring opportunities to create meaningful impact together.

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