In a bid to boost the active involvement of girls and young women in the democratic process, She Leads Social Network, a female-led youth organization, hosted a Youth Symposium in Wa on October 29, 2024. Held at Jam Guest House, the event drew representatives from various youth-led organizations and NGOs, providing a platform to discuss the vital role of female participation in governance and decision-making.
The She Leads Social Network, which comprises girls, young women, and supportive young men, champions issues affecting females in society, with a particular focus on leadership and empowerment. Their initiatives aim to reshape gender norms, enabling girls and young women to take on leadership roles and contribute to democratic processes.
Miss Ernestina Biney, Acting Director for Community Aid for Rural Development (CARD-GHANA), highlighted the symposium’s objectives, emphasizing the importance of empowering young women. “The She Leads project is a five-year initiative with the objective of increasing the sustained influence of girls and young women in decision-making and transforming gender norms at both formal and informal levels,” she shared. “We envision building their capacity to aspire to leadership positions and to be included in decision-making.”
Biney also underscored the purpose of the Youth Symposium: to educate attendees on democratic principles, including fundamental human rights, electoral practices, casting a valid vote, and appropriate conduct at polling stations.
Key speakers at the event included Miss Vida Addi, Regional Director of the National Youth Authority (NYA); Mr. Victor Nuworkpor, Regional Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE); and Mr. Daniel Kwatia Larbi, Deputy Regional Director of the Electoral Commission in the Upper West Region. Each shared insights on democracy, elections, and challenges young women face in political engagement.
In his address, Mr. Larbi pointed to fear and hesitation as possible reasons why young women shy away from political involvement. He emphasized that initiatives like the She Leads Youth Symposium are essential for building confidence among young women, encouraging them to participate and make their voices heard. “It’s a collective effort, and young girls should be motivated to engage in these democratic processes,” Larbi stated.
The program also included an in-depth session on voting procedures, with the goal of reducing errors in the voting process and promoting peaceful conduct before, during, and after elections.
She Leads is a project implemented in the Upper West Region by CARD-GHANA and funded by Plan International Ghana. The project is currently active in five communities—Chegli, Chansa, Nyagli, Kperisi, and Sagu—where it operates girls’ clubs in partnership with local schools, including Wa Senior High School, Wa Senior High Technical School, T.I. AMASS SHS, Jamiat Islamic Girls Senior High School, and Islamic SHS.
Since its inception in 2021, the She Leads project has partnered with youth groups to commemorate international days and hold impactful conferences. Through these initiatives, She Leads continues to foster female leadership and empower young women to become active participants in Ghana’s democratic landscape.
She Leads Social Network Organizes Youth Symposium to Empower Girls in Democratic Participation
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