The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) with support from the Global Affairs Canada, have organised a community durbar at the Bakpa Avedo Market in the Central Tongu District to educate market women and men on adolescent health, gender equality and the prevention of gender-based violence.

The engagement, held on June 25, formed part of efforts to raise awareness on issues affecting adolescents and promote peaceful coexistence through the elimination of harmful social practices.

Mr George A. K. Amey, Central Tongu District Director of the NCCE, said the programme formed part of the Commission’s efforts to deepen public understanding of issues affecting adolescents and promote respect for the rights of women and girls. 

He said civic education played a critical role in changing attitudes and behaviours that fuelled teenage pregnancy, gender inequality and gender-based violence. 

Mr Amey encouraged participants to become ambassadors of the messages by educating their families, neighbours and peers, stressing that collective community action was essential to building a safe, inclusive and violence-free society.

Mr Wisdom Nyikplokpo, a Public Health Officer, appealed to parents, particularly fathers and boys, to support adolescent girls to realise their full potential by providing their basic needs and guidance. 

He said such support would reduce the vulnerability of young girls to exploitation and teenage pregnancy, adding that parents should serve as mentors and role models to their children.

Madam Evelyn Abese, Psychosocial Counsellor and Chief Executive Officer of the Mamalyn Charity Foundation, urged residents to reject all forms of gender-based violence, describing it as a major threat to families and community development. 

She emphasised that violence was not the solution to resolving conflicts and encouraged dialogue, mutual respect and consensus in addressing disagreements.

Mrs Ametsigo Kaka Justine, a retired educationist, called for equal opportunities for both men and women, noting that societal practices had historically favoured men at the expense of women and girls. 

She said women and girls deserved equal access to education, leadership and economic opportunities and appealed to men to support efforts aimed at empowering females to contribute meaningfully to national development.

Madam Mawusi Teyikpa, Queen Mother of the Bakpa Avedo Market, expressed appreciation to the NCCE, UNFPA and Global Affairs Canada for bringing the civic education programme to the community. 

She expressed hope that the initiative would help reduce the incidence of teenage pregnancy, prevent gender-based violence and promote equal opportunities for both men and women to live peacefully and harmoniously. -GNA