By Albert Allotey
Accra, Oct. 11, GNA – Madam Dakoa Newman, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, has called on stakeholders to help girls set achievable goals and support them to know their strengths and weaknesses.
She also advised girl to be God-fearing whilst putting their hope in Him by always praying for divine intervention for success as they pursue their goals.
Madam Newman made the call at the commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child 2024 on the global theme: “Girls’ Vision for the Future.”
In Ghana, the day was organised by the Department of Children, in Accra.
The Minister asked the children to respect their parents and the elderly in society and assured them of the Ministry’s readiness to support them to meet their aspirations.
Ms. Grace Akua Gyan-Darkwa, Programme Officer, Adolescent Development and Participation at the United Nations Children’s Fund, in a message read on behalf of the organisation, said investing in girls was an investment in the future.
“When girls are educated, healthy, and safe, they are empowered to contribute to their communities and the economy. At UNICEF, we believe in the power of girls to develop innovative solutions to the world’s challenges,” she stated.
Ms Gyan-Darkwa said UNICEF was committed to advocating for the rights and empowerment of the next generation of girls, to unlock the creativity and energy that would drive positive change.
“Through our joint programme with UNFPA on adolescent sexual and reproductive health and the global programme to end child marriage, we are promoting adolescent-friendly health services and school health programmes,” she said.
She stated: “We are also creating safe spaces for peer learning, mentorship, and alternative skill-building for adolescent girls through youth engagement centers.
“Furthermore, the Integrated Social Services initiative strengthens child protection systems to address various risks and vulnerabilities, including violence against women, children, and adolescents.”
She said: “As we reflect today on how we can contribute to the 2030 Agenda, especially for girls, we must continue to strengthen partnerships. UNICEF is proud to collaborate with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection.
“Together, we can push for innovation, inclusion, and respect for girls’ rights. Let us all work towards a world where every girl could thrive, with her voice heard, and her potential realized.”
Dr Afisah Zakariah, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection in a welcoming address said despite the numerous challenges faced by girls, they continued to demonstrate courage, resilience, and hope.
“They envision a future where they are protected, respected, and empowered. A future where their voices are heard, their rights are upheld, and their contributions are valued,” she stated.
She said: “However, girls cannot achieve this vision alone. They need our support, resources, and opportunities to thrive. It is our collective responsibility to listen to their voices, invest in their education, and provide them with the platforms to lead.
“When girls are given the chance to succeed, the impact is profound – families, communities, and entire nations benefit.
“Let us commit to taking concrete steps to empower every girl. Let us work together to create a world where every girl can fulfill her potential and contribute to a brighter, more equitable future.”
Panel discussions by influential women such as chief executives, directors, managers, among others from various organisations took turns to encourage girls to be determined, focused and confidence in whatever they do.
“As girls, you should have a clear vision of where you are going, be humbled, be self-motivated as so many things could set you back and speak with the right people to get the right direction of where you want to go,” they stated.
They called on the government to provide more of the sanitary pads and to subsidise the cost to enable the girls to pursue their education.
GNA