The Member of Parliament for North Dayi, Joycelyn Quashie, has issued a clarion call for intensified efforts to combat the pervasive societal ills of child marriage and the sexual exploitation of minors. Speaking at the “Up Girl Literary Project,” a reading and conversation program organized by the Duo Concept Foundation as part of the Ghana Association of Writers Book Festival (GAWBOFEST), Madam Quashie underscored the urgent need for law enforcement agencies to adopt more stringent measures to eradicate these harmful practices. The event, held at the Arts Centre in Accra, centered around “Talata: The Child Bride,” a poignant publication by Adwinsa Publications Ghana Limited that vividly depicts the devastating consequences of child marriage and champions the liberation and empowerment of young girls. Madam Quashie’s impassioned plea serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of children and the imperative to protect their fundamental rights.
Earlier that day, Madam Quashie joined forces with Dr. Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, the Minister for Employment and Labour Relations and MP for Wa Central, to engage with students from various secondary schools across Accra. The collaborative session aimed to cultivate a love for reading and writing among the students, recognizing these crucial skills as essential tools for personal and academic growth. In a tangible demonstration of her commitment to supporting education, Madam Quashie generously donated mathematical sets to all participating students, further solidifying her unwavering dedication to empowering the youth and fostering a brighter future.
Beyond her advocacy at the “Up Girl Literary Project”, Madam Quashie’s commitment to child rights extends to her constituency, where she has consistently championed initiatives that protect and empower vulnerable children. Her proactive approach includes providing essential learning materials and spearheading interventions designed to uplift children’s lives and provide them with opportunities for a better future. Her dedicated service underscores the importance of political leadership in addressing critical social issues and driving positive change within communities.
The “Up Girl Literary Project” also saw Madam Quashie participate in a reading session alongside Kate Addo, Coordinating Director of the Public Affairs Subdivision of Parliament and founder of the Duo Concept Foundation. Ms. Addo emphasized the profound impact of reading and its power to transform lives, opening doors to knowledge, empathy, and critical thinking. She also highlighted the legal frameworks in place to protect children’s rights, urging students to familiarize themselves with these protective measures and become active participants in combating child marriage. This combined effort emphasizes the importance of literacy, education, and awareness in empowering individuals to become agents of change within their communities.
The Duo Concept Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to youth empowerment through literacy and community engagement, partnered with GAWBOFEST for the two-day program, which attracted over one thousand students from various secondary schools. This collaboration demonstrates the power of partnerships in amplifying the reach and impact of initiatives focused on social good. The event served as a platform for students to engage with critical societal issues, fostering dialogue and encouraging active participation in creating a more just and equitable world.
In summary, the events surrounding the “Up Girl Literary Project” highlight a concerted effort to address the critical issues of child marriage and child exploitation. Madam Quashie’s impassioned call to action, coupled with the educational and empowering initiatives undertaken throughout the program, underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between government officials, non-profit organizations, and community members in protecting children’s rights and ensuring their well-being. The event served as a testament to the power of literacy, advocacy, and community engagement in fostering positive change and creating a brighter future for all children. It emphasized the need for continued vigilance, education, and empowerment to combat the pervasive challenges children face and to build a society where their rights are protected and their potential can be fully realized.
