GMD-UEW Enhances Staff Capabilities Through AI and Technology Training
The Gender Mainstreaming Directorate (GMD) of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) has organised a capacity-building programme to equip female senior members with practical knowledge of emerging technologies and artificial intelligence (AI).
This initiative is designed to enhance work-life integration and improve service delivery within the university.
The programme was held at the Registrar’s Conference Room on Tuesday, 16th December, 2025. It convened female senior members as well as both senior and junior staff with other stakeholders to engage in discussions on how technology can be effectively harnessed to enhance efficiency, flexibility and productivity within teaching, administration, research and leadership roles at the UEW.
Opening the programme, Mrs. Esther Dadzie, a national service person at the GMD, welcomed participants and pointed out the importance of empowering women within the University. She noted that strengthening women’s capacity through technology ultimately strengthens institutional leadership and excellence, adding that the gathering reflected UEW’s commitment to equity and professional development.
Ms. Patricia Kaitoo, Acting Head of GMD, explained that the programme was to deepen participants’ understanding of emerging technological trends, particularly AI and their influence on work processes within the University. She emphasised that as technology increasingly reshapes communication, research and service delivery, female staff members must remain technologically relevant in the evolving workspace.
Ms. Patricia Kaitoo expressed appreciation to participants for prioritising the programme despite their busy academic and administrative schedules, describing their presence as a clear demonstration of their commitment to professional growth.
The first presentation was delivered by Dr. Augustine Monney, Director of ICT Services, UEW, on the theme “Work-Life Integration Through Technology.” Dr. Monney distinguished between traditional work-life balance and work-life integration, explaining that the latter focuses on flexibility, intentional blending of roles and outcome-based performance rather than rigid working hours or physical presence.
He highlighted the unique pressures faced by women in leadership and academic environments and stressed the need for a supportive leadership culture to ensure technology serves as an enabler rather than a source of stress.
Dr. Monney further noted that leadership culture plays a critical role in shaping how technology is used within institutions. According to him, responsible digital leadership requires respecting boundaries, distinguishing between urgent and non-urgent communication and promoting output-based assessment of staff performance.
He also discussed how UEW’s digital platforms including email systems, learning management systems, enterprise resource planning systems and virtual meeting tools can be strategically integrated to enhance flexibility, reduce workload and improve productivity, particularly for female staff balancing professional and caregiving responsibilities.
The second session was facilitated by Mr. Raymond Bentum Boison, Senior Assistant Registrar and Head of the Student Records Office at UEW, who focused on the practical application of AI in administrative and academic work. Mr. Boison described AI as a skilled digital assistant that supports rather than replaces human expertise. He demonstrated how AI tools can be used to draft and polish documents, prepare teaching materials, support research, manage records and enhance customer service delivery.
Mr. Boison cautioned participants on the ethical use of AI, emphasising the importance of data privacy, accuracy and critical verification of AI-generated content. He encouraged staff to adopt AI responsibly as a tool for enhancing efficiency and decision-making, while maintaining professional judgment and upholding institutional standards.
Ms. Patricia Kaitoo thanked the facilitators for their insightful and practical contributions. She reiterated the Directorate’s commitment to promoting gender-responsive policies and capacity-building initiatives that support female leadership and technological empowerment at UEW.
