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Tackling gender discrimination …Give boys, girls equal opportunity to thrive
Boys and girls deserve an equal opportunity to thrive
Every girl and boy deserves an equal chance to survive and thrive, yet gender discrimination, continues to rob them of their childhood and limit their potentials.
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UNESCWA) defines gender discrimination as any distinction, exclusion or restriction made on the basis of sex which has the effect or purpose of impairing or nullifying the recognition, enjoyment or exercise by women, irrespective of their marital status, on the basis of equality of men and women, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural, civil or any other field.
Gender discrimination has the tendency to deny girls their rights, kept from school, forced to marry and subjected to violence while her voice is undervalued. This assault on childhood also deprives nations of the energy and talent they need to progress.
According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), boys also suffer from gender norms. Notions of masculinity can fuel child labour, gang violence and recruitment into armed groups. No matter where it prevails, or how it manifests, gender inequality harms every member of society.
An International Organisation, Save the Children says, it will take over 200 years to achieve gender equality, and that is just in the United States of America (USA).
The organisation therefore describes as unacceptable, adding that together, we can create a more equal world, right from the start.
What are the causes of gender discrimination?
Gender discrimination begins from childhood. From the moment girls and boys are born, they face unequal gender norms as well as social norms regarding expectations and access to resources and opportunities in their homes, schools and communities.
For example, girls are most often made to carry or do household chores with the notion of preparing them for future marriage, pregnancy and caring for their children while the boys are often encouraged to go to school and get an education to prepare for work.
This tendency often leads to child marriage and pregnancy among girls.
Effects of gender discrimination
In Ghana, gender discrimination among boys and girls exposes them to the possibility of child marriage, teenage pregnancy, child domestic work, poor education and health, sexual abuse, exploitation and violence.
Girls are more likely than their male counterparts to drop out of school, marry at an early age, and experience challenges in their sexual and reproductive health and rights. They are also more likely to be exposed to violence and exploited in child labour.
Way Forward
Gender equality is a basic right for all people, including both girls and boys, it is therefore critical for Ghana to directly address gender discrimination in order to ensure that no harm comes to children while ensuring that every child attains their equal right to grow up healthily, educated and safe.
Gender equality is essential to close the inequality gaps including those who are most vulnerable.
To build a more equal, inclusive future, free from gender discrimination, Ghana needs to start in childhood.
Also according to Ghanaians Against Child Abuse (GACA), a social drive campaign for the protection of children and also aimed at reducing violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of children, gender inequalities were drivers of many child protection violations.
They begin with boys’ and girls’ socialisation in the family, school or community which encourages them to follow specific cultural norms and roles deemed appropriate for their gender.
The gendered socialisation can mean that girls are expected to do more domestic work, not get as much or as quality schooling as boys, to marry younger, be less mobile, or tolerate physical and sexual abuse.
Conversely, it can mean that boys are expected to be more aggressive, violent, mobile, unruly and responsible for and capable of making money, having a job, etc.
GACA said it is the role of families, schools and communities to ensure boys and girls grow up with more gender equitable roles and practices, and achieve gender equitable outcomes in protection, safety and life opportunities.
According to UNICEF, Gender equality means that girls and boys enjoy the same rights, resources, opportunities and protections. In 2021, UNICEF ushered in a new gender policy (2021–2030) articulating its vision for gender equality in its programmes, as well as at workplaces and practices, around the globe.
The Gender Action Plan (2022– 2025) charts UNICEF’s way forward with a series of time-bound results that deliver lasting, transformative change for children, adolescents and women worldwide.
UNICEF and other international organisations are working with partners in Ghana on a variety of educational initiatives including the development of gender-responsive school curricula; gender training for education professionals to help eliminate gender discrimination.
Conclusion
Tackling gender discrimination in boys and girls is a collective responsibility for all Ghanaians. It is therefore important for individuals, organisations and governments to take deliberate steps to achieve gender equality for all irrespective of one’s gende
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
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.
