Religious leaders, chiefs, and women’s groups in the Widnaba community of the Bawku West District in the Upper East Region have launched campaigns against gender bias and social ills after receiving training from the “Peace Building Fund Project.”
This initiative, driven by Youth Harvest Foundation Ghana (YHFG) and funded by UNFPA, aims to foster social cohesion and empower women and youth in northern Ghana.
The project engaged these leaders in training sessions focused on addressing and dismantling harmful gender and sociocultural practices that perpetuate discrimination and inequality.
During a recent visit to the community, the leaders, through a focus group discussion, urged members to grant equal opportunities to both boys and girls, creating an environment where everyone can achieve their full potential.
Avoka Ayeebo, Chief of the Googo community in Widnaba, called on community members, especially parents, to begin treating their daughters as equally important as their sons.
He emphasized that girl child education should be a priority in the community. “Our girls deserve the same opportunities as our boys. Education for our daughters is crucial for the community’s development,” Ayeebo stated.
Pastor Mark Akutam of Lighthouse Chapel in Widnaba assured his congregation that he would be promoting the importance of equality among children.
“Equality starts at home. I will be educating my congregation on the need to treat all children equally, regardless of gender,” he affirmed.
Adabongo Asamah, a mother of seven, shared her transformation after the engagement. “The training has enlightened me. From now on, I will see my daughters as equal to my sons and ensure they have the same opportunities,” she testified.
The “Peace Building Fund Project” is a two-year initiative covering three districts—Bongo, Bawku West, and Garu—and involving nine communities.
The project aims to build the capacities of local leaders to facilitate community-level sensitization and awareness programs effectively.
Project Officer Dominic Anarigide elaborated on the project’s significance, highlighting its goal to educate participants on crucial topics such as gender roles, gender equality, equity, and the harmful effects of discriminatory gender norms.
Anarigide explained that some communities were selected due to underlying issues that could potentially lead to conflicts and violent extremism.
“By addressing these issues early, we hope to prevent conflicts and promote peace and equality,” he said.
The Peace Building Fund Project’s training has already begun to effect change, with community leaders taking active roles in promoting gender equality and dismantling harmful practices.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Moses Apiah|Bolgatanga
