Sunyani: Mrs. Jocelyn Adii, the Bono Regional Director of the Department of Gender, has called upon school girls to boldly report any teachers who make sexual advances toward them. Her appeal highlights the pressing issue of sexual abuse and exploitation, especially in Senior High Schools (SHS), which she described as condemnable. She emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to combat this issue and create a safe learning environment for girls.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mrs. Adii made these remarks during an interview on the sidelines of a forum held to commemorate the International Girl Child Week. The event, themed ‘Raising confident girls for tomorrow’s leadership,’ aimed to address barriers hindering the development of girls. The forum was organized by the Gender Unit of the Sunyani West Municipal Directorate of Education in partnership with the Bono Regional office of the National Youth Authority (NYA).
The United Nations General Assembly declared October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child in 2011, recognizing the rights and challenges faced by girls worldwide. In line with this, the forum aimed to empower over 1,000 girls from four educational circuits-Fiapre, Nsoatre, Chiraa, and Odomase-to aspire for leadership roles.
Mrs. Adii stressed that sexual abuse not only violates girls’ fundamental human rights but also hinders their ability to achieve their potential. She encouraged girls to focus on their education and future, noting that personal relationships should not distract them. Mrs. Constance Adogbama Ayambila, the Sunyani West Gender Education Officer, also urged girls to see themselves as equals and to strive for academic and personal success.
Miss Princella Dzidzor, a Programmes Officer at the NYA Bono Regional Office, affirmed the Authority’s commitment to empowering girls to assume leadership positions. She mentioned that the NYA has developed mentorship programs designed to identify and enhance the potential of young girls, preparing them to become responsible and influential members of society.