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Celebrating the rise of girl child education: A milestone in achieving gender equality
Girls face several challenges in accessing education
Over the past few decades, Ghana has made considerable progress in girls’ education.
There has been a significant societal shift in the value and priority given to girl child education, which is now seen as a fundamental right and a crucial element of a prosperous society.
The country is close to achieving gender parity in enrollment at the primary and secondary education levels.
Girls face several challenges in accessing education, including poverty, gender inequality, distance to school, child marriage, child labour, training, menstruation cycles at school, costs of education etc.
However, the relentless efforts of activists, educators, and policymakers have led to a remarkable transformation in girl child education.
One of the key improvements in girl child education is the rise in enrollment rates. As per the United Nations (UN), the global primary school enrollment rate for girls has increased from 73 per cent in 2000 to 83 per cent in 2018.
This achievement indicates that more girls now have access to basic education and the necessary skills to build a better future.
There has also been a substantial increase in the number of females attending secondary schools as compared to males. This change is a testament to the efforts of governments and organisations to ensure that girls receive high-quality education.
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), along with other partners, is working to ensure that education professionals receive gender training and continue to address barriers to pave a clear way for girls in Ghana to make progress in basic education.
There are also attempts to reach girls at the Senior High School (SHS) with a focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and skill development.
UNICEF is also actively working on reforming school curriculums so that issues of equity, gender, and inclusion are adequately embedded in them.
Teachers are also being trained to demonstrate professional competence in gender issues and creating a teaching workforce that meets the needs of disadvantaged girls and boys.
In a recent interview with some young girls from the Osu Presbyterian School, they expressed gratitude for the opportunity to attend school.
One girl said, “I am happy to be given the freedom to go to school. I was told that back in the 90s, it was not like that, so if I can go to school today, I am happy.”
Another girl added, “I am happy to be in school so I can compete with the boys who think they control the world. Our mothers didn’t have the same opportunities we have today, so I am grateful for the chance to learn and grow.”
Research has shown that educating girls benefits not only the girls themselves but also their families, communities, and societies as a whole. Educated girls are more likely to marry later, have fewer children, and earn higher incomes, leading to improved health, economic growth, and social cohesion.
While there is still much work to be done to ensure that all girls have equal access to education, the progress made in recent years is truly remarkable.
As we continue to strive for gender equality and inclusive education systems, it is important to celebrate the achievements that have already been made and to continue pushing for a brighter future for all girls around the world.
.The author is a student of the University of Media Arts and Communication
Email: leahdegraft18@gmail.com
By Leah De-Graft Takyi
Muslims across the country celebrated this year’s Eid-ul-Adha in a colourful and spiritually uplifting atmosphere under the theme, “A Season of Sacrifice, Solidarity and Spiritual Renewal.”
The celebration brought together Muslims from diverse backgrounds in a remarkable display of faith, unity and cultural heritage.
The occasion was marked by special Eid prayers at various designated grounds, the slaughtering of rams in homes for sharing among family members, friends and the less privileged, as well as musical concerts and recreational activities including horse riding.
Leading the celebration was the Chief Imam, Dr Sheikh Osman Sharubutu.
While the national celebration was held at the Black Star Square where President John Dramani Mahama was the Special Guest of Honour, similar gatherings took place at different centres across the capital and other regions of the country.
A visit by The Spectator to some celebration grounds revealed Muslims, both young and old, elegantly dressed in colourful jalabiya and other Islamic attire, reflecting the rich culture and traditions of the Muslim community.
The celebration also portrayed the spirit of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the country, as a number of Christians joined their Muslim counterparts to mark the occasion.
Muslim leaders and government officials used the opportunity to call on the faithful to uphold the teachings of the Holy Quran, renew their spiritual commitment and refrain from acts capable of undermining the peace, unity and security of the nation.
They further urged Ghanaians to continue to live in harmony and support one another for national development.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Dear Obaa Yaa,
During Eid-ul- Adha celebration, I decided to spend the weekend at my boyfriend’s place since we were planning towards our marriage.
To my surprise, what keeps me wide awake, restless and frustrated every single time is that he snores loudly like a generator running on full power, and I genuinely cannot get any rest
At a point, I thought it was just a normal thing, but I have realised it is something he does with ease and doesn’t see anything wrong with it.
When he steps out in the morning, I try to get enough sleep because I may not sleep in the evening.
The most annoying thing is that, he always wants to cuddle me. These two things are a no for me and a red flag.
We are about to get married, what should I do?
Enam, Keta.
Dear Enam,
The snoring and constant cuddling are frustrating, but you don’t have to choose between sleep and closeness.
Start with the snoring: check if it’s worse when he sleeps on his back, cut out alcohol before bed, try nasal strips or a humidifier, and see a doctor if he pauses while breathing.
For quick relief, foam earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones help a lot.
Separate blankets, a bigger bed, or sleeping apart on some nights often makes couples rest well and feel closer overall.
Bring this up before the wedding .Tell him you want to wake up next to him for years to come, but sleep deprivation makes you both miserable.
Test earplugs and side-sleeping this weekend, and if it’s still unbearable, bring in a doctor. Good sleep matters more for your marriage than staying glued together all night.
