Tiyumba Suweiba Yakubu || Editor Sanatu Zambang
Have you ever imagined a world where a girl’s ambition is met with encouragement and not
limitations? Where a girl feels free to express vulnerability without being judged or the fear of
judgement? A world where classrooms are spaces of respect and coexistence but not
battlegrounds of gender stereotypes?
These are all the realities we strive for in this world, but however, the harsh reality still remains that gender inequality and violence among girls and women continue to cast a show over our schools, silencing voices and hindering potentials.
In a world where gender equality among girls and women remains a pressing issue, schools have
become a critical battleground for change. School Gender Based Violence (SGBV) has become a
global pandemic often hidden in plain sight. It encompasses a range of harmful behaviors from
verbal abuse and bullying to sexual harassment and assault, where girls are the most affected.
The impact of SGBV is nothing but devastating, because it creates a climate of fear, insecurity
and silence. It brings about emotional trauma, anxiety, depression and even sometimes suicidal
thoughts especially when victims feel so alone an do not have anyone to speak with concerning
what they are going through.
SGBV has become an evolving pandemic especially for girls, and I believe that we have to put
together more empowering programs for these young women to be able to challenge harmful
stereotypes, speak against injustice and to be able to build a future free from violence.
For me, I believe that girls should be taught how to cultivate their personal leadership potentials.
This does not necessarily mean being in charge, but finding their voices, embracing their
strengths and taking ownership of their life journey.
Girls need to be taught ways to navigate their own paths, inspire others and lead with integrity and compassion. The question now is, how will these girls be able to cultivate these habits? Simple! They need to be taught how to communicate these habits effectively.
This will involve listening attentively and understanding the different perspectives of how to express themselves clearly and confidently. Such as mentoring them on how to develop strong public speaking skills, which will give them the power to share ideas, inspire change and also build connections that bridge divides.
Impressive🎊🎊🎊!
— WFP Ghana (@WFP_Ghana) May 22, 2023
This is the impact we want to have!
Playing a catalytic role of ensuring people have sustainable livelihoods that enable them to live better and stay well nourished all year round. Enjoy📺! pic.twitter.com/flkFXWDSZV
The power of team work and collaboration is undeniable. Teamwork brings us together towards
a common goal through sharing strengths and diverse perspectives. We can only build strong
teams when we have empathy, active listening skills and commitment to a shared success. By
working together, issues of SGBV can become a thing of the past.
We live in a technological world now where network building and strong relationship have
become an essential for growth and success. Networking shapes our horizons and fuels our
success because it is a web of connections, we cultivate that is built on trust, shared values and a
genuine desire to help each other thrive.
Digital literacy and innovative thinking are essential skills which helps us to embrace
technology, develop critical thinking and to as well adapt to new challenges. By fostering creativity and willingness to change the status quo, girls will be able to shape a future that is more equitable, sustainable, and fulfilling for themselves The problem of Gender violence and discrimination among women and girls has become a societal problem.
We believe that we must collectively commit to creating a world where every student feels safe, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential. We need to challenge the status quo, break the silence and stand up for a future where gender equality is not just a goal, but a lived reality.
Let us come together as women to build a world where every individual feels empowered to
lead, to inspire and to make a difference. The power of personal leadership is waiting to be
unleashed.
These are some of the issues that were discussed during the first ever National Female’s
Leadership and Networking Conference that was organized by SWIDA-Ghana in partnership
with Plan International Ghana.
The four-day conference was on the theme “Growing into a Bigger and Better You”.
The conference was attended by women leaders in both the public and private sector as well as
students from both first and second cycle institutions across the country. These women shared
their journey through life as women, the challenges, as well as the ups and the downs.
