Upper east: Religious, traditional, and community leaders in certain districts of the Upper East and North East Regions are spearheading initiatives to eliminate discriminatory gender norms, aiming for gender parity and inclusive development. These leaders, including chiefs, pastors, queenmothers, and assembly members, have undergone training to enhance their capabilities in promoting inclusive development and addressing gender discrimination in their communities.
According to Ghana News Agency, this effort is part of the ‘Enhancing Social Cohesion and Social Contract through the Empowerment of Women and Youth in Three Northern Regions of Ghana’ project. The initiative, funded by the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund through the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is locally implemented by the Youth Harvest Foundation Ghana (YHFG) in specific districts of the Upper East and North-East Regions.
The project aims to empower local leaders and structures to tackle the root causes of conflicts and vulnerabilities to violent extremism in Northern Ghana. At various events, traditional and religious leaders shared their experiences and praised the project’s impact on fostering social cohesion. These leaders, now seen as change agents, are raising awareness on critical issues such as teenage pregnancy, child marriage, and gender-based violence.
The initiative has led to significant progress, including the elimination of harmful cultural practices such as child marriage and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), and the reduction of barriers to inheritance and land ownership. Community leader Mr. Baba Ayinga from Sapeliga highlighted the enactment of by-laws prohibiting child marriage, FGM, and child labor as a result of the project.
Madam Diana Akunpale from Kulpela community in the Bawku West District noted the growing awareness of women’s empowerment and the shift towards allowing women to own land and participate in farming. Similarly, Pastor Moses Akumbang from Widnaba emphasized the project’s role in enhancing social cohesion and dispelling misconceptions about different communities.
Mr. David Baniyigane Ajebakwagane, Project Officer at YHFG, urged leaders to continue educational efforts to achieve zero tolerance for gender discrimination, promoting a more inclusive and peaceful society.