EMPOWERING GIRLS: IT INVOLVES EVERYONE INCLUDING BOYS

Many a time, women empowerment is geared towards educating girls alone. However, empowering boys to grow into responsible men is equally important to achieve gender equality. On the 21st of April, 2016 our maiden edition of Mmaasima took off at Ashesi University. The purpose of the event was to educate stakeholders on their role in empowering women and girls. Stakeholders included parents, teachers and community leaders. Attending the program were Junior High School boys from Berekuso L/A, girls and their parents.

Speaking at the event, Phyllis Kuenyehia the director of events for The North American Women Association of Ghana (NAWA) said "as ladies we need to be strong and take education very seriously. No one can stop us unless we stop ourselves". She encouraged girls to work hard and focus on school. Also, we were honored to have Gifty Mensah the Co- Founder and Executive Director of Global Alliance for Development Foundation (Gadef) and the Executive Director for Phinklife Institute speak to all present. Her message was mainly to the boys. She asked that the boys start assisting their sisters at home especially with house chores and avoid disrespecting them. Ms. Gifty also cautioned parents to train their male and female children equally so they grow to become responsible adults.

The program ended with a drama on training up a child. The drama educated parents on the required steps parents ought to take in training their children at home so they do not depart from it when they grow up.