By Victoria Agyemang
Cape Coast, Oct. 18, GNA – Young girls in the Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese (AAK) district and Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA) Municipality, have made a heartfelt call for the inclusion of young girls in community decision-making processes.
They made the appeal during a panel discussion on issues that deeply affected them, highlighting their desire for more representation and involvement in shaping their future.
The discussions were part of a project organized by Plan International Ghana, under the initiative titled, “She Leads,” aimed at empowering young girls and women.
The discussion themed, “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” emphasised the crucial need to amplify the voices of young girls in issues that affect them and encouraged their active participation and leadership within their communities.
Speaking on behalf of her peers, a 15-year-old student from Edinaman Senior High School in the KEEA district, Ms Ellen Yankey, stressed that it was long overdue for young girls and women to be included in key conversations and decision-making processes in their communities.
She emphasised that excluding them had significant implications for their future and personal development.
Ms Yankey regretted that despite growing awareness and advocacy for gender equality, there was still a gap between boys and girls in decision-making roles.
She explained that many still believed that males should be given more opportunities than females, a belief that continued to hinder the progress of women and young girls, especially in rural communities.
Ms Yankey also highlighted the deep-rooted assumption that a girl’s office was in the kitchen, leading to many girls being subjected to child abuse and limiting their potentials.
In her speech, Ms Yankey and her peers appealed to the government, through the Ministry of Gender, to strengthen mentorship programs for girls, particularly those in rural areas.
They believe that by building confidence in them, they would be better equipped to face the future and contribute meaningfully to the growth of the society.
“We believe that when girls are included in decision-making processes, we create a fairer, more just, and equal society.
“With this in mind, we appeal to the government and community leaders as part of our rights, aspirations, and commitment to a future where every girl can thrive,” Ms Thompson stated.
Ms Araba Annan, the Executive Director of the She Leads Project urged girls on to be confident to take up leadership roles and upgrade themselves gradually towards their growth.
She said that was not an easy task, but it was imperative for young girls to challenge themselves, occupy difficult positions to make themselves and all other women proud.
Madam Annan told them to never underestimate their potentials but be ready for any challenge that came their way and prove their worth to the society.
On the project, Ms Annan explained that the initiative focused on promoting the leadership and inclusion of young girls in decision-making at all levels.
She added that the project seeks to increase the acceptance of girls’ leadership and collective action in a gender-responsive civil society.
Moreover, She Leads enables young girls and women to participate meaningfully in governmental and political institutions, ensuring that their voices were heard where it mattered most.
A beneficiary of the She Leads Project, Ms Eunice Johnson, shared how the initiative had transformed her life, saying she used to be extremely shy and did not have many friends.
According to her joining, after joining She Leads, she had gained so much confidence and now held several leadership positions in different groups and organisations, including church groups.
She encouraged other young girls to believe in themselves and take advantage of opportunities that boost their confidence.
“To all young girls out there, trust in yourselves and your abilities. Joining programs like She Leads can make a huge difference,” she stated.
The She Leads project was primarily designed to empower young girls and women to challenge negative cultural practices and reach their potential.
GNA