Accra: The National Peace Council has sensitised female students of the Labone Senior High School on issues of gender discrimination, equality, women's development, and their vital role in promoting peace and security.
According to Ghana News Agency, the engagement brought together many of the girls from form one to three, in commemoration of this year's International Women's Day, themed: 'Gender Equality for a Sustainable Future.' The theme resonated deeply with the students as it sought to instill in them the importance of challenging deep-rooted stereotypes and empowering girls and women to be agents of change. This initiative aimed to create a world where women's voices are heard, their rights protected, and their contributions valued.
Madam Semefa Asimenu, Head of Gender Unit, National Peace Council, addressed the girls, urging them to strive for excellence and attain leadership positions both now and in the future. She emphasized that girls and women have a rightful place at the leadership table, citing the example of the country's female Vice President, who rose through the ranks to her current position without looking down upon herself.
The National Peace Council has a unit dedicated to mainstreaming gender programmes and activities, engaging with students and market women to promote peace and security in the country. Madam Dorothy Barnes, Women, Peace and Security Project Official at the Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA), presented on 'Accelerating Action for Gender Equality,' encouraging the girls to believe in themselves and achieve their goals.
Miss Carmen Yeboah, the Girls' Prefect of the school, expressed her satisfaction with the sensitisation, highlighting the need to empower young girls. She noted that some positions are traditionally considered to be male preserves, but the narrative is changing. Miss Yeboah further emphasized that women are capable of performing tasks traditionally associated with men, and often do so with excellence.
As the event concluded, the students left with a renewed sense of purpose. International Women's Day 2025 at Labone Senior High School was not just a day of reflection, but a call to action for the young girls to rise, speak out, and advocate for a better future for themselves and others.
