The Chereponi District of Ghana, often marked by vulnerability, has witnessed a surge in awareness among adolescent girls and young women regarding their rights and the avenues available for reporting sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). This positive shift is attributed to the successful implementation of the “Chereponi Resilient” initiative, a project under the broader Power to You(th) Ghana programme. A key component of this initiative was the Girls Conference organized by Chereponi Youth Connect (CYC), which served as a platform to educate and empower young people about SGBV, its various forms, and the appropriate reporting mechanisms. This conference signifies a crucial step towards creating a safer and more informed environment for young girls in the district.
The Girls Conference, funded by Power to You(th) Ghana, adopted a comprehensive approach to address the multifaceted issue of SGBV. It facilitated open dialogue and shared learning among a diverse group of participants, including female students, women’s groups, community leaders, and youth. The discussions centered around recognizing different manifestations of SGBV, understanding the profound emotional and physical consequences of abuse, and navigating the available support structures for reporting and seeking assistance. By providing this comprehensive knowledge and fostering a supportive environment, the conference empowered young girls to identify, report, and ultimately resist SGBV.
The conference served as a crucial bridge connecting vulnerable young girls with essential support services. Participants were introduced to a network of organizations and institutions dedicated to assisting SGBV survivors, including the Social Welfare Department, the Ghana Police Service, health facilities, and legal aid services. The conference underscored the importance of proactive reporting and provided the young girls with the practical tools to access these essential services. This direct link to support systems not only empowers victims but also contributes to holding perpetrators accountable and fostering a culture of zero tolerance for SGBV.
The impact of the conference is evident in the personal testimonies of the participants. Fusheini Firdows, a 17-year-old attendee, expressed her newfound confidence in navigating potential situations of abuse. Before the conference, she lacked awareness of the available resources and reporting channels. Now, armed with the knowledge of her rights and the pathways to seek help, Firdows embodies the positive transformation facilitated by the conference. Her story underscores the critical role of education and awareness in empowering individuals and communities to combat SGBV.
Chereponi Youth Connect (CYC), the driving force behind the conference, functions as a non-partisan platform committed to integrating and connecting the youth of Chereponi. Through the Chereponi Resilient project, CYC endeavors to cultivate a more resilient community by equipping its members with the necessary knowledge and tools to prevent and respond to SGBV. This proactive approach aims to create a protective environment where young girls feel safe, empowered, and supported. By fostering community ownership and participation, CYC is laying the groundwork for sustainable change and a future free from SGBV.
The Power to You(th) Ghana programme, implemented by a consortium of organizations including Norsaac, GH SRHR Alliance, and Songtaba, plays a pivotal role in empowering young people, with a particular focus on girls and young women. The programme strives to equip young people with the agency to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health and rights. By addressing critical issues like SGBV, child marriage, and teenage pregnancy, the programme creates an enabling environment where youth can thrive and reach their full potential. The Girls Conference, as a crucial component of this programme, exemplifies the commitment to addressing the root causes of gender inequality and empowering young girls to claim their rights. The programme’s comprehensive approach tackles interconnected issues, recognizing that empowering girls and young women requires a multi-faceted strategy.
The Girls Conference stands as a single event within a broader strategic framework of the Chereponi Resilient initiative. This initiative encompasses a wide range of activities, including community dialogue sessions, male engagement forums, community mobilization campaigns, radio engagements, and capacity-building workshops for community leaders, women’s groups, and selected students. These diverse activities are strategically designed to promote community involvement and ownership in the fight against SGBV, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the interventions. By engaging various stakeholders, the initiative fosters a collective responsibility towards creating a safe and equitable environment for all.
The Chereponi Resilient initiative’s emphasis on community participation is crucial to its effectiveness. Community dialogue sessions create spaces for open conversations about SGBV, challenging harmful norms and fostering a shared understanding of the issue. Male engagement forums recognize the critical role of men in combating SGBV, promoting their involvement as allies and advocates for change. Community mobilization campaigns raise awareness about SGBV and available support services, extending the reach of the initiative beyond the conference participants. Radio engagements utilize a powerful medium to disseminate information and engage a wider audience, overcoming geographical barriers and reaching remote communities. Capacity-building workshops equip community leaders, women’s groups, and students with the skills and knowledge to address SGBV effectively within their respective spheres of influence.
The collective impact of these initiatives is evident in the increasing awareness among adolescent girls and young women in Chereponi. They are becoming more informed about their rights and the mechanisms available for their protection, signaling a significant stride towards combating SGBV in the region. This increased awareness is not merely about knowledge; it translates into a sense of empowerment, enabling girls to recognize abusive situations, report incidents, and seek support. The combined efforts of the various stakeholders, including CYC, Power to You(th) Ghana, and the community members, are creating a ripple effect of change, transforming the landscape for young girls in Chereponi and paving the way for a future free from violence. The sustainability of this change is ensured by the community-driven nature of the interventions, with local ownership and participation at the heart of the initiatives.
