The National Commission for Civic Education of the Adansi Asokwa District has engaged stakeholders on adolescent health, gender equality and preventing gender-based violence.
The program organized by NCCE with the support from United Nations Population Fund was on the theme: “Empowering Community and Youth For Adolescent Health, Gender Equality and Preventing Gender-Based Violence through Civic Education”.
Adolescence (ages 10-19) is a critical period of rapid physical, emotional, and social development. It is a time of transition from childhood to adulthood, presenting a unique window of opportunity to shape lifelong health and well-being.
Adolescent health encompasses physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Factors such as nutrition, sexual and reproductive health, mental health, and substance abuse can significantly impact an adolescent’s quality of life. Providing accessible and youth-friendly health services is crucial for addressing these needs.
Mrs. Patricia Nyantekyi a Midwife with the Ghana Health Service in the district said Family planning, in the context of adolescent health, is not about promoting sexual activity but about empowering young people with the knowledge, skills, and services to make informed, responsible, and healthy choices about their sexual and reproductive lives.
She said the world has the largest generation of adolescents in history.
Investing in their health yields significant demographic and economic dividends, leading to healthier future generations. Hence Access to contraception prevents unintended pregnancies among the youth and allows adolescents to complete their education and pursue life goals. It also plays a vital role in preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV.
She called on the adolescent that “education is the key and can grant you a better future, they must abstain from sexual act and illicit drugs in order to have a brighter future”.
Adolescent health and family planning is not a standalone issue; it is integral to sustainable development. By providing adolescents with comprehensive sexuality education, ensuring access to youth-friendly services, and fostering supportive environments, we empower them to navigate a critical stage of life safely and responsibly. This empowerment allows them to reach their full potential and contribute positively to their communities and the world, Mrs. Patricia Nyantekyi added.
RESIST GENDER EQUALITY AND PREVENTING GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE
Detective Sargent Eugenia Nkansah, Formena District Police Command in charge of Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit said, gender-based violence is violence directed against a person because of their gender or violence that affects persons of a particular gender disproportionately. It includes physical, sexual, psychological, and economic harm.
The root cause of gender based violence is gender inequality the unequal power relations between women and men, and the harmful social norms that perpetuate the idea that one gender is superior to another. When societies uphold norms that give men and boys more power and value than women and girls, it creates an environment where violence can be normalized and excused.
She said ignorance has contributed a lot to Gender based violence, let’s all come together and intensify education in our community information centers, visiting churches and mosques on how to prevent gender violence and the need to to promote gender equality.
She called on parents to take full responsibility of their children and ensure that they provide their basic needs for them.
Gender equality and the prevention of gender-based violence are intrinsically linked goals. Achieving a world free from gender based violence requires dismantling the deep-seated structures of gender inequality. This is not solely a “women’s issue”; it is a human issue that requires the commitment of every segment of society—governments, communities, families, and individuals. By promoting respect, equal rights, and equal power, we can create a world where everyone, regardless of gender, can live a life of safety, dignity, and freedom.
The District Director for National Commission for Civic Education, Mrs.Jacqueline Mahu on her part expressed profound gratitude to all stakeholders who attended the program.
“ Gender equality and the prevention of gender-based violence are intrinsically linked goals. Achieving a world free from GBV requires dismantling the deep-seated structures of gender inequality.
This is not solely a “women’s issue”; it is a human issue that requires the commitment of every segment of society, governments, communities, families, and individuals. By promoting respect, equal rights, and equal power, we can create a world where everyone, regardless of gender, can live a life of safety, dignity, and freedom”, Mrs. Jacqueline Mahu concluded.