Intensify efforts to protect girls’ right – AWLN

The African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), Ghana Chapter has called for an end to child marriage and urged stakeholders to intensify efforts to protect girls’ rights to education, safety, dignity and equal opportunities.

The network said this in a statement signed by the chairperson of AWLN Ghana, Dr Charity Binka, to mark the International Day of the Girl Child.

The day is celebrated on October 11 each year to promote girls rights and highlight challenges such as girl marriage, discrimination, violence and unequal access to education.

This year’s celebration was on the theme: “End child marriage and invest in girls’rights!”

It said child marriage deprived girls of their childhood, disrupted their education and exposed them to serious health and protection risks.

The network stressed that no cultural practice, economic hardship or social expectation could justify violating the fundamental rights of girls.

It said child marriage was neither a cultural necessity nor a solution to poverty, but a harmful practice that sustained inequality, undermined national development and prevented girls from realising their full potential.

AWLN noted that girls continued to face challenges, including harmful traditions, poverty, discrimination, abuse and unequal power relations, which often forced them out of school and limited their ability to determine their futures.

It said ending child marriage required political commitment, effective law enforcement, sustained funding, community mobilisation and accountability.

“Investing in girls is not charity; it is a human-rights obligation and an investment in Ghana’s future,” the statement said.

According to AWLN Ghana, educating, protecting, mentoring and empowering girls would help prepare them to become future leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, peacebuilders and decision-makers.

It added that the country’s quest for equal representation in leadership could not be achieved if girls were denied the education, confidence and opportunities needed to lead.

The organisation called on the government and policymakers to enforce laws against child marriage, hold perpetrators accountable and provide adequate resources to child-protection institutions.

It also urged the government to invest in accessible and quality education, healthcare, social protection and support services for girls at risk.

Traditional and religious leaders were encouraged to use their influence to challenge harmful practices, strengthen community-based prevention and reporting systems, and promote respect for the dignity and rights of every child.

The statement urged parents and guardians to keep girls in school, protect them from abuse and exploitation, listen to their aspirations and support their ambitions.

 It also urged the media to highlight the realities and consequences of child marriage, amplify girl’s voices, challenge harmful stereotypes and hold institutions accountable.

According to the statement, girls should be given meaningful opportunities to participate in decisions and policies affecting their lives, particularly in education, health, safety, digital inclusion and economic development.

It called for safe environments in homes, schools, communities and digital spaces where girls could express support without stigma and pursue their ambitions without discrimination. 

 By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu

SKIP THE QUEUE, TAP THE NEWS

You can now read the Ghanaian Times and The Spectator newspapers from the comfort of your device via TimesNewsPlus.

Join our WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27