Plan International Ghana, under its “She Leads” campaign, has conducted a workshop targeting young girls and media practitioners.
The primary aim of the workshop was to raise awareness about the importance of empowering young girls and to encourage them to strive for higher achievements in the future.
Programme manager of the She Leads campaign Ms Anna Nabere, addressing participants during the programme emphasised the necessity of this engagement, especially as Ghana prepares for its upcoming general elections.
She highlighted that initiatives focused on women empowerment, inclusivity, and the protection of young girls are crucial and should not be underestimated.
She pointed out that many girls have the potential to lead fulfilling lives, but barriers such as poverty and abuse often hinder their progress.
She stressed the importance of shielding these girls to add value to their lives, adding that as part of the campaign, selected young girls compiled a proposal urging leaders of the two main political parties in Ghana, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to prioritise education, employment access, and leadership opportunities for women in their manifestos.
Ms Nabere expressed confidence that if the proposal’s recommendations are adopted, the lives of women and young girls in Ghana would be significantly transformed.
“The content of the proposal is very dear to the hearts of these girls. We also know that the points outlined are extremely critical and will be very beneficial to women. That is why we are adding our voices to the call for the consideration of the proposal,” Nabere stated.
Explaining she mentioned that the proposal also encourages political parties to provide entrepreneurship opportunities for young girls and increase their access to healthcare.
It was received by Racheal Amoah from the office of the Vice President, who assured the participants that the proposal would be forwarded to the leadership on behalf of the young girls.
She mentioned that STEM education is a priority for the government, and efforts are being made to establish more STEM institutions across the country as part of the government’s digitalisation agenda.
Efo Korku Mawutor, one of the speakers at the workshop, on his part highlighted the need for more incentives for schools specialising in STEM education.
He also called for increased scholarship opportunities for girls, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Addressing the root causes of teenage pregnancies and tackling them was also deemed necessary by Mawutor. He encouraged young girls to aspire for greater opportunities, stating, “Women and young girls must learn to take the lead.”
Communications Specialist, Plan International Ghana Regina Asamoah mentioned that the workshop underscored the significance of empowering young girls and the role of media practitioners in advocating for their rights and opportunities.
BY RAISSA SAMBOU