Mentor young girls to attain dreams, aspirations – Ms Darkoa Newman

Ms Newman (arrowed) with other participants after the event

The Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MoGCSP), Ms Dakoa Newman, has urged women in higher positions to mentor young girls to achieve their dreams and aspirations.

According to her, young girls need mentorship and someone to serve as role models to shape their lives to become better women in future.

The Minister made this known at an event held in Accra to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child 2024 on the global theme “Girls’ Vision for the Future.”

Organised by the Department of Children under MoGCSP, the International Day of the Girl Child focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face and to promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfilment of their human rights.

She noted that the ministry was committed to helping children achieve their dreams, however it was important to show respect to their parents and elders in the community. 

Also, the Minister encouraged the girl-child to cultivate a strong spiritual foundation, fearing God and trusting in His divine plan to help shape her future and make her a responsible adult.

The Programme Officer for Adolescent Development and Participation at the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Ms Grace Akua Gyan-Darkwa, emphasised the importance of investing in the girl-child as a way to secure a better future.

She stated, “When girls are educated, healthy, and safe, they are empowered to contribute to their communities and the economy.

At UNICEF, we believe in the power of girls to develop innovative solutions to the world’s challenges.”

Ms Gyan-Darkwa highlighted UNICEF’s commitment to advocating for the rights and empowerment of girls, which she believes would unlock their creativity and energy to drive positive change.

Furthermore, Ms Gyan-Darkwa urged the general public to listen to girls’ voices, invest in their education, and provide platforms for them to lead.

The Chief Director at MoGCSP, Dr Afisah Zakariah, acknowledged the courage, resilience, and hope demonstrated by girls despite numerous challenges.

“It is our collective responsibility to listen to their voices, invest in their education, and provide them with platforms to lead.  Let us work together to create a world where every girl can contribute to a brighter, more equitable future,” she said.

Panel discussions featuring influential women from various organisations reinforced these messages, encouraging girls to be determined, focused, and confident.

By Cecilia Lagba Yada & Emmanuella Akimbi