SheSpeaks Forum, an affiliate of the Nneka Youth Foundation, a not-for-profit youth-oriented organisation has marked the International Day of the Girl-Child at the Agotime Senior High School in the Agotime Ziope District in the Volta Region
The students, their parents, and school-based facilitators engaged in discussions on the challenges affecting the development of the Girl-Child in the district.
The students alluded that mostly parents irresponsibility forced them to go out and look for men to support them.
Some also mentioned the issue of rape by influential figures in the community, and little being done to protect them, as well as peer pressure compounded heir issues.
The participants proposed a holistic strategy to address the alarming rate of teenage pregnancy in the area.
They shared their perspectives, while a panel discussion tackled community challenges that impacted academic performance and the overall development of youth, particularly the girl-child.

The panelists included Madam Cecilia Fiaka, Madam Aku-Sika Kpene, the former Deputy Women’s Organiser of the National Democratic Congress, and Mrs Victoria Selorm Addo, a senior health practitioner, and they shared their valuable insights and experiences.
They encouraged the girls to not only aspire for equality but also to take responsibility for their actions and set attainable goals.
Parents expressed their commitments to fostering a supportive environment that promoted the growth and development of their daughters in a healthy society.
The programme emphasised the crucial role of stakeholders, especially community and religious organisations, in guiding the girls.
The boys were also encouraged to actively support their sisters, living in harmony rather than in competition.
The Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to continued collaborative efforts to advocate and engage the community effectively.
Twelve (12) pupils who attended this year’s Summer Camp were introduced as Ambassadors of the District, urging the education sector to support them to impact their colleagues positively.
The foundation firmly believed that concerted effort was essential in combating social vices, which could only be achieved through collaboration.
The Foundation remains grateful to the Ghana Education Service, Ghana Health Service, and the Minister of Gender and Child Protection, for their unwavering support.