Oti Region: The Department of Gender in the Oti Region has organized a sensitization workshop for community leaders to educate them on the differences between gender and sex, and their implications on society. The workshop aimed to empower community leaders with knowledge and skills to promote gender equality and address gender-based issues in their communities.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mrs. Thywill Eyra Kpe, Volta Regional Director of the Department of Gender, guided the participants through collective action to address gender-based violence (GBV) and encouraged community leaders to play an active role in promoting awareness and prevention efforts. She highlighted the severe consequences of early child marriage, including limited educational opportunities, health risks, and the perpetuation of poverty. Mrs. Kpe emphasized the importance of education and empowerment in breaking the cycle of poverty and promoting girls’ rights. She educated the traditional authorities on the penalties and punishments associated with pushing girls into early marriage, stressing that individuals found guilty would face the full force of the law, serving as a deterrent to potential offenders.
Mr. Innocent Komla Agbolosu, Oti Regional Director of the Department of Social Welfare, delivered a presentation on the rights and responsibilities of children during the workshop. He emphasized the importance of understanding and promoting children’s rights and stressed the significance of teaching children their responsibilities, such as respecting others, following rules, and contributing to their communities.
Mr. Richard Tsekpokumah, Founder of Ayeyi Impact Foundation in Nkwanta North, lauded the workshop initiative that brought together various stakeholders, including chiefs, imams, pastors, and other community leaders, to address the pressing issues of child marriage. Emphasizing the importance of collective responsibility, Mr. Tsekpokumah stressed that protecting children and preventing child marriage requires community-wide effort. He highlighted that everyone has a role to play in finding solutions to this problem and pledged to take an active part in combating child marriage in his community and district.
Participants were divided into three groups to develop action plans tailored to their respective areas. The collaborative effort aimed to translate knowledge into tangible actions, ensuring the effective implementation of strategies to address pressing issues. Each group meticulously crafted plans to tackle specific challenges, including early child marriage, gender-based violence, and promoting girls’ education. The action plans are expected to serve as blueprints for community-led initiatives, fostering a more equitable and supportive environment for children and women in the Oti Region.