About us
OUr story
Our vision is to bring peace, leadership, effective communication and recognition for effective and efficient governance.
The Women and ADR Association is constituted by ADR practitioners who mentor, coach and support other women and young people interested in pursuing a career in ADR and related professions while also giving back to the community through mediation training and dispute resolution outreaches.
You too can part of this initiative, call the numbers on this flyer or follow our social media handles to learn more.
Why We Focus on Women
Women often serve as peacemakers within families and communities. By equipping women with ADR knowledge and skills, we strengthen the capacity of entire communities to resolve disputes peacefully and constructively.
- Women's empowerment
- Community development
- Peacebuilding
- Leadership development
- Access to justice
- Social cohesion
What is ADR?
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) refers to methods of resolving disputes outside traditional courtroom litigation.
Mediation
Mediation is one of the most common forms of ADR. In mediation, a neutral third-party mediator facilitates a conversation between the disputing parties. The goal is to help both sides communicate their concerns, clarify misunderstandings, and work toward a mutually acceptable resolution. Mediation is one of the most common forms of ADR.In mediation, a neutral third-party mediator facilitates a conversation between the disputing parties. The goal is to help both sides communicate their concerns, clarify misunderstandings, and work toward a mutually acceptable resolution.Role of the Mediator:
The mediator does not have the power to make a decision or impose a solution. Their role is to help guide the parties toward a voluntary agreement.Advantages:
- Cost-effective and faster than going to court.
- Less formal and more flexible.
- Encourages cooperation rather than confrontation.
- Confidential and private.
Disadvantages:
- No guaranteed outcome - it depends on the willingness of both parties to cooperate.
- Mediators don't have decision-making power.
Arbitration
Arbitration is a more formal type of ADR in which an arbitrator (or a panel of arbitrators) is appointed to listen to both sides of a dispute and make a binding decision. Arbitration can resemble a court trial, but it's usually more streamlined and less formal.
Role of the Arbitrator:
The arbitrator acts like a judge in the dispute. They hear arguments, review evidence, and make a ruling that is legally binding on the parties.
Advantages:
- Faster and cheaper than litigation.
- Private and confidential.
The arbitrator is usually an expert in the subject matter of the dispute.
Disadvantages:
Less flexibility compared to mediation because the arbitrator imposes a binding decision.
Limited opportunity for appeal.
Negotiation
Negotiation is the most basic form of ADR. In this process, the parties involved in the dispute communicate directly with each other to reach an agreement.
Role of the Parties:
There's no neutral third party. The parties themselves (with or without lawyers) negotiate terms directly.
Advantages:
- Completely flexible and informal.- Can be very quick and inexpensive.- No need for third-party intervention.
Disadvantages:
Success depends entirely on the willingness of both parties to cooperate.
Can be difficult if there's a significant power imbalance between the parties.
Conciliation
Conciliation is similar to mediation, but the conciliator often takes a more active role in proposing solutions to the dispute. While mediator helps the parties communicate,conciliator may suggest possible solutions or compromises based on their understanding of the situation.
Role of the Conciliator:
The conciliator can propose solutions, offer legal or technical advice, and actively guide the parties toward an agreement.
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Advantages:
- Less formal and quicker than court trials.
- More active guidance compared to mediation.
Disadvantages:
- The parties may not feel the solutions are fully their own, as the conciliator takes a more active role in suggesting resolutions.
- Like mediation, there is no guarantee of a
resolution..
wHAT WE DO
Women and ADR is a dynamic initiative dedicated to increasing awareness, participation, and leadership of women in Alternative Dispute Resolution across Ghana and beyond.
ADR Awareness Campaigns & Forum
Community Outreach Programs
ADR Training Workshops Conferences
Women Empowerment Initiatives
Our Mission
To empower women through education, mentorship, advocacy, and practical training in Alternative Dispute Resolution while promoting peaceful and accessible conflict resolution mechanisms within communities.
- Promote awareness and understanding of ADR.
- Encourage women's participation in ADR practice.
- Support training and mentorship opportunities.
- Build partnerships with institutions and stakeholders.
- Conduct community outreach and public education.
- Foster peaceful conflict resolution practices.
Meet Our Team
We envision a future where women are leading conversations, mediating disputes, shaping policies, and contributing significantly to peaceful and sustainable development.
Adwoa Mensah
Entrepreneur