By Frank Kwame Abbor, GNA
Ho, Oct. 16, GNA – Stakeholders have called for stronger inclusion, empowerment, and safety for girls with visual impairments.
They made this disposition to mark this year’s International Day of the Girl Child and International White Cane Safety Day, organised by the New Horizon Foundation of the Blind, at Ho.
Held on the theme; “Girls with Vision: Leading Change, Securing Safety,” the event brought together students, traditional leaders, clergy, social workers, and development partners across the Volta Region to celebrate resilience and advocate equality.
Mama Atrato II, the Queenmother of Ho-Dome, who chaired the event, urged stakeholders and the public to create supportive environments for visually impaired girls.
“They are not limited by what they cannot see. Leadership has no boundaries,” she said, stressing the need for access and empowerment.
Reverend Mrs Nyuieme Adiepena, the Board Chair of the Foundation, encouraged girls to believe in their dreams despite their limitations, saying “Vision is more powerful than sight.”
She said the Foundation continued to train mothers of children with visual impairments in income-generating skills, to improve family livelihoods.
Mr Eric Komla Ofori, the Director of the New Horizon Foundation of the Blind, said the celebration united two global movements that promoted empowerment and inclusion.
“Inclusion is not a privilege; it is a right. When girls with visual impairment are empowered, they lead and transform their world,” he stated.
He revealed that through its Skills for Livelihood and Empowerment Project, the Foundation has equipped more than 100 women and girls with visual impairments with practical skills in soap-making, pastry, advocacy, and financial literacy to enhance independence and dignity.
Mrs Thywill Eyra Kpe, the Volta Regional Director of Gender, Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, in an address read by Mr Eugene Elikem Agamah, reaffirmed the department’s commitment towards promoting gender equality and inclusion, saying “Empowerment must know no barriers -hysical, social, or economic.”
Madam Stella Mawuena, the Volta Regional Director of Social Welfare, called on society to reduce discrimination and focus on the abilities of persons with disabilities, saying “We are part of the problem, but also part of the solution,” urging inclusive attitudes.
Ms Simone Henzier, a representative of Deutsches Blindenhilfswerk (DBHW), commended the Foundation for its 12 years of partnership, supporting education, skills training, and digital inclusion.
She called for unity in building a society where everyone enjoyed equal rights and opportunities.
The celebration featured exhibitions of livelihood products, musical performances, and goodwill messages from institutions including CHRAJ, Department of Children, Bible Class, Ho East Presbytery, and Regional Girls’ Education Office.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/ Christabel Addo