Gender Development: WiLDAF empowers girls on violence against children

The clubs, which are run out of schools, provide age appropriate information to girls about sexual abuse, HIV and AIDS, and the ways to address it.

Women in Law and Development in Africa (WiLDAF) Ghana, a non- governmental organisation with support from Crossroads International have organised an exchange programme for the Girls Empowerment Clubs from selected schools to discuss best practices for gender development.

The clubs, which are run out of schools, provide age appropriate information to girls about sexual abuse, HIV and AIDS, and the ways to address it.

 

They serve as a safe space for girls in a highly patriarchal society.  Through poetry, drama and public speaking, the clubs help girls to build leadership skills and increase self-confidence.

READ ALSO: Ban harmful cultural practices that undermine women’s rights - WiLDAF

The forum also created the platform for the pupils to share ideas on experiences acquired by students from their club meetings, school and social environments.

Ms. Abigail Edem Hunu, Program Officer at WiLDAF, in an interview with Pulse.com.gh, said her outfit believed that by sharing experiences, the girls would be able to learn more from among themselves to enhance their knowledge on gender and social issues in addressing adolescent challenges.

 

She said the club would therefore facilitate discussions on adolescent sexual reproductive health, healthy relationships, life and leadership skills to help them fight against gender based violence in schools and communities.

She added: the establishment of the clubs was aimed at helping to empower children, especially girls, in the fight against domestic violence and sexual abuse.

She said "Let's end the cycle of violence against girls so they can reach their full potential."

READ MORE: WiLDAF calls on gov't to implement domestic violence Act 2007

 

She has also called on government to ensure the implementation of the child rights legislation (Children’s Act 1998; Act 560) which protects and improve the welfare of children.

"The government of Ghana should fully  implement the Children's act of 1998 to ensure children live a life free from all forms of abuse. Children have rights let's respect them," she added.

The club has branches in Wegbe Kpalime in the Volta Region, Nkran Nkresi and Kyinaso in the Central Region, Osu Presbyterian Preparatory, Kokrobite D/A primary school and LEKMA 10 & 12 Basic School in the Greater Accra Region.

The clubs, which are run out of schools, provide age appropriate information to girls about sexual abuse, HIV and AIDS, and the ways to address it. Read Full Story