Include us in decision- making processes - Young girls advocate

Young girls in the Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese (AAK) and Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA) districts have called for the inclusion of young girls in decision-making processes in their communities.

They made this appeal during a mock parliament discussion to mark the celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child dubbed: “Girls Vision for the Future”.

The event, organised by Women Aspire Network under the project called “She Leads”, was held to give girls and young women an opportunity to voice their issues of concern.

Decision-making process

They noted that it was high time young girls and women were included in the decision-making process and conversations in communities such that decisions taken did not affect their future.

They observed that young girls and women often encountered significant barriers that restricted their access to the same opportunities as boys and men, which ultimately limited their contributions to society and the economy.

Matters arising

Other issues addressed in the mock parliament were access to education at the tertiary level and to encourage and support girls and young women to be involved in STEM.

They again appealed to the government through the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection to tighten mentorship for girls, especially those in rural areas for them to be confident to dream big and to achieve higher academic laurels.

"We believe that when girls are included in decision-making processes, we create a major just and equal society. With this, we appeal to the government and leaders in every community as a declaration of our right, aspirations and commitment to a future where every girl can thrive," they said.

The event featured some dignitaries from both KEEA and AAK assemblies, the queenmother from Gwira Akyinim, Nana Tseasewaa II, and the Gender Department in the Central Region.

The Central Regional Director of the Department of Gender, Richlove Amamoo, accepted the appeal of the girls and promised to take action together with the regional minister.

Protection

She explained that the gender department was doing its best to protect young girls and women from any abuse, adding that due to the appeal, they would also work harder to include young girls in the decision-making process.

Ms Amamoo also appealed to both public and private organisations that taught girls their rights and how to become successful in life to sometimes include boys as well.

She explained that many boys were ignorant of the Constitution and did not even know the ‘dos’ and ‘don'ts’ when it came to girls’ relationships.

A beneficiary of the She Leads project, Eunice Johnson, said she had a change in her life after joining the project, saying, "I was a very shy person to the extent that I did not have friends, but joining, the She Leads" project, now I have many positions in different groups and organisations to the extent that I have a position in my church.

"I urge all young girls out there to trust and believe in whatever they do and also join such programmes to boost their confidence," she said.

The Team Lead for the Women Aspire Network Team, Araba Annan, said the project was mainly to encourage young girls and women to challenge negative cultural practices and stereotypes in their communities that deterred them from achieving their potential.

She emphasised that the project focused on areas that helped to achieve increased acceptance of girls and young women’s leadership and inclusion in decision-making at all levels.

Ms Annan said the project also enhanced their collective action in a gender-responsive civil society and enabled their meaningful participation in decision-making by the government and political institutions.