School for Life marks International Day of the Girl Child at Kpalbe

Some women, working in male-dominated professions, have engaged girls and stakeholders at Kpalbe to motivate them to aspire for any career of their choice.The event, organised by School for Life, an NGO, as part of activities to mark this year's International Day of the Girl Child, was also to help erase the erroneous impression that girls could not do certain jobs because of their sex.This year's International Day of the Girl Child was on the theme: 'Girls Vision for the Future', and it sought to highlight the importance of addressing issues such as gender inequality, child marriage and limited access to education and quality health care services.Dr Mariam Abdulai Nnabya, a medical practitioner at the Tamale Teaching Hospital, during the event in the North East Gonja District, underscored the need to support girls to venture into male-dominated careers to enhance productivity and inclusivity.She said it would also help in creating more business and employment opportunities for females and contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty in communities and families.Private Fabea Oti Veronica, a Military Officer at the Kamina Barracks in Tamale, encouraged girls to dream big and aspire for greatness. She advised them to persevere and be committed to excellence and self-improvement.Madam Fadila Alhassan, a Heavy Equipment Operator, who shared her experience working in a male-dominated profession, encouraged the girls not to allow societal perception to discourage them.Mr Collins Bayinye, North East Gonja District Field Officer, School for Life, said the area was chosen to host the event because of the increasing reported cases of neglect of girls' education in the area.Mr Bayinye said it was also to provide the platform to sensitise residents to prioritise girls' education and their overall development.Dr Hafiz Sulemana Abubakari, a Lecturer at the School of Veterinary Sciences of the University for Development Studies, said supporting girls' empowerment would enhance the attainment of Sustainable Deve lopment Goals (SDGs) four and five, which seek to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all and to achieve gender equality and empowerment of all women and girls by 2030.He appealed to all stakeholders in the area to demonstrate more interest in the education of girls.School for Life, as part of the celebration, presented exercise books, pens, pencils and erasers to the girls.The girls expressed gratitude for the support and pledged to work hard to become responsible citizens and the voice for other vulnerable groups.Source: Ghana News Agency