Call for Speakers: Regional Webinar

The West African Drug Policy Network (WADPN) and its partners[1] are pleased to announce a call for speakers for our upcoming series of webinars focused on the recognition and inclusion of marginalised communities in West Africa. We are seeking passionate and knowledgeable individuals to share their expertise and insights with a regional audience.

About WADPN:

WADPN is a regional organisation committed to promoting evidence-based and humane drug policies in West Africa. We strive to foster dialogue, build capacity, and advocate for policies that prioritise public health and human rights.

Webinar Focus:

Our webinar series will explore critical issues related to advocacy for the recognition and inclusion of people with diverse sexual orientations (PWDSO), sex workers (SW), and people who use drugs (PWUD) communities in West Africa and the promotion of their rights. We are particularly interested in presentations that address:

• Inclusive Decision-Making for PWUD, Sex Workers, and PWDSO: Living the Principle of 'Nothing About Us, Without Us'

• Human Rights Advocacy in West Africa: Progress, Challenges, and Pathways to Putting People First

Who Should Apply:

We encourage applications from individuals with expertise in drug policy, harm reduction, public health, human rights, community-based interventions, research and advocacy.

We strongly encourage applications from candidates based in Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Nigeria.

Submission Requirements:

Interested candidates are requested to submit the following:

• A brief abstract (250-350 words) outlining the proposed presentation topic and key points.

• A speaker biography (150-200 words) highlighting relevant experience and expertise.

• Contact information (name, email address, phone number).

Submission Deadline: Friday 25 April 2025

How to Apply:

Please send your submissions to: info@wadpn.org cc. mtetteh@wadpn.org 

Applications will be reviewed based on the relevance of the proposed topic, the speaker's expertise, and the potential impact of the presentation.

Webinar Format:

Webinars will be hosted online via Zoom and will include a presentation followed by a Q&A session. There will also be an interpretation service available in English and French. Access the webinar conception note here!

We look forward to receiving your applications and working together to advance the human rights and well-being of marginalised communities in West Africa.

For further enquiries, kindly contact Michael Kumordzi Tetteh [Campaigns & Communications Officer] via email at mtetteh@wapn.org or +233549618023 on WhatsApp.

[1] Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNOWA), Association Wende-Yam (AWEYA), Nigeria Sex Workers Association (NSWA), International Centre for Total Health and Right Advocacy Empowerment (ICTHARAE), and Colibri Sud