Teenage Girls continue to suffer inequalities and vulnerabilities-Activist

Mrs Esther Hammond, the Acting Oti Regional Director of the Department of Gender, said teenage girls continue to suffer inequalities in society exposing them to many vulnerabilities.She said pregnancy, sexual and gender-based violence and child marriage was irreparably harming these adolescent girls.Mrs Hammond therefore, emphasized the importance of empowering girls for Ghana's development and progress.She said these at a two-day programme aimed to empower and educate girls aged 10-19 on critical issues affecting their well-being and future.It was organised by the Department of Gender under the auspices of the Oti Regional Coordinating Council (ORCC), with funding support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).The two-day Adolescent Mentorship and Empowerment Sensitization camp was held at Dambai for 40 adolescent girls from selected districts and municipalities.The participating schools from Nkwanta South Municipal, Nkwanta North District, and Krachie East Municipal in the Oti Region a lso attended.She explained that empowering girls had numerous benefits, which included improving education outcomes, enhancing economic opportunities, better health and well-being, reducing child marriage and teenage pregnancy.Mrs Hammond urged stakeholders to increase awareness and education, while institutions must strengthen support system for victims of SGBV by enhancing community engagement to prevent child marriage.Mr Daniel Machator, the Oti Regional Minister, in a speech delivered on his behalf, advised teenage girls to abstain from actions that could lead to teenage pregnancies.He encouraged community members to play a vital role in promoting reproductive health awareness and supporting adolescent girls.The Minister's speech aligns with the region's efforts to address teenage pregnancy and also aims to inspire positive change and empower adolescent girls in the Oti region.The ORCC had been actively involved in various initiatives, including training workshops for directors and planning of ficers.The council's efforts demonstrate its commitment to promoting sustainable development and equitable resource distribution.Source: Ghana News Agency