By Frances Dorothy Ward
Kumasi Oct. 15, GNA – Government has been asked to continue to strengthen policies and opportunities that will empower the girl-child to achieve their full potential.
Madam Joana Anokyewaa, Headmistress of the State Experimental M/A Basic ‘1’ school in Kumasi, who made the call, said empowered girls and women would drive innovativeness, challenge social norms, and create positive change in the society.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency in Kumasi, on the 2024 International Day for the Girl-child, she said the transformation power of girls’ voices, their perspective, leadership skills and skill development would also ensure progress in the country and reduce poverty.
She pointed out that, despite efforts made by the government to help empower the girl child, girls continue to face numerous challenges and discriminations.
They have limited access to healthcare and education and were often discriminated against in most rural communities and even urban areas.
She said even certain traditions and cultures were gender bias, mostly against girls and women.
She said these challenges hindered the development of the full potentials of girls and women, and thereby, increased the poverty cycle among families.
She said the theme for this year’s International Day of the Girl-child “Elevating Girls’ Voices for Sustainable Development,” was one of the core visions of the State Experimental M/A Basic school.
Madam Anokyewaa noted that, when the girl-child was empowered, her life would be transformed and the government would spend limited resources in fighting unemployment, child trafficking, child marriages, prostitution, female genital mutilation and among others.
She, therefore, called on the government and other stakeholders to continue to invest heavily in the girl-child, especially in the areas Science, Technical, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education.
There is also the need to create safe places for self-expression and empowerment, while building mentorship and role model activities to encourage the girl-child to aspire higher.
The Headmistress also encouraged young girls and women to support one another, speak against injustices, inequalities, and discrimination against girls.
She also said that girls must equally dream big, lead boldly, and achieve greatness.
Mrs Getrude Aboah, Executive Director of The Gardeners Initiative, an NGO, urged girls not to allow themselves to be influenced by peer pressure and problems at home to engage vices that could jeopardize their future.
She said the government and some Non-Governmental Organisations were working towards solving difficulties and challenges young girls were facing and called on the girls to tap into such government policies to have a good future.
She also called for strong policies and laws to cease gender-based violence and all discriminations against women.
GNA