Kumasi: The Ghana Chapter of Defence for Children International (DCI-Ghana), an independent non-government organisation and a global movement for children's rights, reports its sustained investment in girls' leadership and advocacy has empowered many girls and young women to confidently speak up for their rights. This investment has also enabled them to participate actively in decision-making processes.
According to Ghana News Agency, Ms. Faustina Osei Prempeh, Programmes Manager of DCI-Ghana, stated that years of advocacy under the She Leads Project significantly influenced policies at both national and community levels. The project promoted girls' participation in leadership and social movements, helping many girls overcome fear and begin advocating for issues affecting their welfare and development. She noted that in the latter stages of the project, numerous girls were standing up and speaking for themselves.
Ms. Osei Prempeh made these remarks during a Regional Learning and Sharing Workshop for Girls and Young Women leaders and social movements organised by DCI-Ghana in Kumasi. The workshop was themed 'Enhancing Girls Rights through Mentorship, Advocacy and Menstrual Health Awareness.' She highlighted concerns about the sustainability of girls' groups formed under the initiative after the project's conclusion last year.
To address these concerns, DCI-Ghana secured funding from the Valley Foundation in the Netherlands to continue empowering girls to speak out on issues affecting them. The new Girls' Rights Project builds on the gains made, expanding its focus to tackle harmful social norms such as child marriage, sexual violence, technology-facilitated violence, neglect, and other forms of abuse against girls and young women.
A unique aspect of the initiative is the empowerment of girls to lead advocacy efforts themselves, rather than relying on adults to speak on their behalf. Ms. Osei Prempeh emphasized that almost all actions at the district and regional levels are being led by the girls themselves. The project also incorporates direct socio-legal support services to help girls seek redress and justice when their rights are violated, providing guidance and support systems within the districts.
She reaffirmed DCI-Ghana's commitment to promoting the rights, protection, and empowerment of girls and young women, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to national development.