Accra: The Voices of Women and Children with Disabilities in Ghana (VOWACGhana) has called on the government to implement initiatives that address stigma and discrimination faced by girls with disabilities. This appeal emphasizes the need for dedicated support, particularly for those in special schools, through the provision of menstrual hygiene kits to combat period poverty and encourage school attendance.
According to Ghana News Agency, VOWACGhana issued a statement on the International Day of the Girl Child urging the training of service providers, schools, health, and government sectors to eliminate disability-based discrimination and promote inclusion. The statement highlights the necessity for adequate budget allocations and timely disbursements to ensure the implementation of relevant programs and activities. Additionally, it advocates for the establishment of accessible communication channels within the justice system, equipped with audio, text, sign language, and visual functionalities, to facilitate reporting for victims and survivors.
The statement also underscores the importance of enforcing the Ghana Accessibility and Building Standards to ensure accessible facilities, such as washrooms, that would enable girls with disabilities to remain in school. The global theme for this year's International Day of the Girl Child, "The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis," calls for recognizing and supporting girls, including those with disabilities, to assume leadership roles, build resilience, and drive change at all levels.
Despite Ghana's ratification of various international conventions and legislations, such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, girls with disabilities continue to be among the most marginalized and vulnerable groups in the country. VOWACGhana urges the government, alongside the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the National Council on Persons with Disabilities, Development Partners, the United Nations, and other stakeholders, to tackle the systemic barriers and inequalities faced by these girls in Ghana.
