Keta: The Department of Gender in the Volta Region, in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection and with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has successfully organised a two-day adolescent empowerment Bootcamp in the Keta and Anloga Municipalities. The initiative targeted young boys and girls across the Keta and Anloga districts to promote gender equality, adolescent development, reproductive health education, and positive masculinity.
According to Ghana News Agency, the bootcamp is a follow-up to a capacity-building session held in 2024, where 20 community facilitators, including students as peer educators, were trained to lead discussions on gender-related issues in their respective communities. More than 120 pupils from basic schools in the beneficiary communities, including students from the Keta Senior High Technical School, participated in the bootcamp. These facilitators are now playing an active role in engaging young people on pressing social concerns.
The first session of the bootcamp took place at the Keta Roman Catholic School premises, where participants engaged in interactive sessions on personal health care, bodily protection, and awareness of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). Madam Thywill Eyra Ekpe, Volta Regional Director for the Department of Gender, discussed the importance of empowering adolescents with the right information to navigate the challenges of adolescence.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Madam Thywill highlighted issues such as early marriage, teenage pregnancy, and gender-based violence as hindrances to the potential of young people, especially girls. She emphasized the need for them to make informed decisions about their bodies and futures. Additionally, Madam Margaret Dovlo, a public health nurse at the Keta Municipal Hospital, covered topics on adolescent reproductive health and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), urging participants to seek medical attention early when necessary.
A parallel session was held at the Tegbi Roman Catholic Church in the Anloga District, addressing similar themes. These sessions provided a safe space for participants to share experiences, ask questions, and receive guidance from trained professionals. Chief Inspector Geoffrey Kumedzro from the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Keta Divisional Police Command led a session on gender-based violence, explaining the legal implications and educating the youth on reporting and seeking protection.
Students and pupils expressed appreciation for the initiative, describing the sessions as timely and impactful. Many pledged to share the knowledge gained with their peers and families. The Bootcamp is part of a broader nationwide effort to engage men and boys in the fight for gender equality while providing young people with tools to build safe, healthy, and empowered lives. Madam Kpe and other stakeholders expressed hope that the training's impact would ripple across communities and contribute to long-term social transformation.
