The Volta Regional Office of the Department of Gender has advanced its gender advocacy efforts by training 71 male participants—30 adolescent boys and 41 adult men—from five districts as peer educators for gender equality and the protection of girls’ rights.
The training, held in Keta, forms part of the Male Engagement Initiative under the UNFPA-supported Adolescent Girls Programme (AGP) funded by Global Affairs Canada. It aims to challenge harmful gender norms, reduce gender-based violence, and promote healthier relationships between boys and girls.
Mrs. Thywill Eyra Kpe, Volta Regional Director of Gender, stressed that engaging men and boys is essential to addressing issues such as adolescent pregnancy, child marriage, and girls’ marginalisation. She described the trainees as “emerging advocates” who will help drive community transformation and promote positive masculinities.
Sessions focused on reproductive health, child marriage prevention, SGBV, and gender norms, with facilitators using role-play and discussions to help boys rethink perceptions of manhood. Health professionals highlighted the dangers of early sex and the need for boys to support girls facing stigma during menstruation.
Resource persons also shared alarming statistics, including the fact that one in four girls in the Volta Region is married before age 18, urging participants to report forced marriages and advocate for girls’ rights.
The workshop emphasized redefining masculinity to reflect compassion, accountability, and respect. Participants pledged to serve as peer educators in their schools and communities.
The initiative aligns with Ghana’s national gender and adolescent health policies and supports global commitments such as CEDAW and the ICPD Programme of Action. More training sessions and community sensitisation activities under the GREAT model are planned to expand a network of male advocates championing gender equality and SDG 5.
Source Hebrews Pouyeli Kumako ll News Volta
