Prof. Augustina Naami Delivers 2025 Hokenstad International Lecture, Wins Prestigious Award
Prof. Augustina Naami, Associate Professor of Disability and Social Work and Head of the Department of Social Work at the University of Ghana, has delivered the 2025 Hokenstad International Lecture and received the Hokenstad International Lecture Award from the Commission on Global Social Work Education at the 71st Annual Conference of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) held in Denver, Colorado, USA.
The conference, themed “It’s Time to Act: Championing Disability Justice and Disability Joy in Social Work,” brought together social work educators, practitioners and researchers from across the world to advance conversations around disability justice, diversity, equity and inclusion within social work education and practice.
In her lecture, Prof. Naami highlighted the need to go beyond breaking barriers to creating enabling environments that empower persons with disabilities to thrive. She said, “Disability justice is not solely about dismantling barriers; it is equally about creating spaces where persons with disabilities can truly triumph, live and celebrate their full humanity.”
She added that “social work education can create these spaces where disability justice and disability joy work hand in hand.”
Her presentation offered a thought-provoking reflection on disability, social policy and justice, drawing on her extensive research and advocacy on disability inclusion and the intersection of vulnerabilities in Ghana and across the Global South.
In recognition of her impactful scholarship and leadership, Prof. Naami was presented with the Hokenstad International Lecture Award, which honours individuals whose work has significantly advanced international social work education and practice.
Expressing her appreciation, she remarked, “It is truly heartwarming that my work on disability and the intersection of vulnerabilities, driven by a passion to bridge research, pedagogy and practice, is being recognised and celebrated on an international platform.”
Prof. Naami has built a distinguished career in teaching, research and service. She teaches a range of courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels at the UG main and City Campuses, focusing on macro-level practice and social policy. Her research interests include disability, mental health, gender, social policy, poverty and the intersection of multiple vulnerabilities.
The Hokenstad International Lecture Series, launched in 2007 through an endowment by M.C. “Terry” Hokenstad, a former President and long-time member of CSWE, seeks to enhance the work of the Katherine A. Kendall Institute for International Social Work Education and advance the mission of the Commission on Global Social Work Education.
The University of Ghana community congratulates Prof. Naami on this outstanding international recognition, acknowledging her remarkable contributions to disability advocacy, social work education and transformative research advancing inclusion and social justice globally.