Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung@ 40 in Ghana The Friedrich Ebert Foundation(FES) has since its establishment in Ghana 40 years ago been in on the forefront of supporting initiatives by women's groups towards the realisation of political, legal and economic equality between women and men. In its work with the Ghana Trades Union Congress(GTUC), Parliament, the youth and political parties, FES has applied a gender responsiveness approach and practice to promote good governance. Indeed the FES moves the definition of“governance” from the restricted view which focuses on a sound management of the economy, to a broader view that encompasses political pluralism and issues of social and economic inequality. For the FES therefore democratic governance means an agenda for participation by women and men on an equal basis, and the promotion of human rights and social justice. In practice FES works to ensure that the social relations that undermine women's capacity to participate in public decisions are addressed as a means of promoting inclusiveness and women's rights in the management of public affairs. FES has prioritised women's participation in politics and public life as an entry point for partnering with civil society and women's groups to build capacities and engage with the state. The FES has adopted two interrelated approaches in implementing its programmes on the promotion of gender equality;, namely, promoting gender­responsiveness in all areas of its work and specifically working to prioritise women's participation in governance processes with a special emphasis on reversing the under-representation of women in politics and public life. Among the landmark contributions to the promotion of gender equality in Ghana, FES has achieved the following:, supporting the production and implementation of the Women's Manifesto for Ghana; supporting processes of learning and sharing of Africa regional and international best practices; organisation of training programmes targeting women in political parties to enhance their visibility and activism in governance processes in Ghana; commissioning relevant research on gender 30