Stakeholders have called for stronger community action to protect women and girls from gender-based violence and other social challenges during a forum held to mark the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration in Odomase, the capital of the Sunyani West Municipal.
The forum, organised by the Department of Gender in the Bono Region in collaboration with the Young Urban Women Movement and supported by ActionAid Ghana, brought together schoolgirls, traditional leaders and community members to discuss issues affecting women and girls.
The event was held under the theme “Give to Gain: Investing in Safety, Dignity and Justice for Women and Girls.”
Speaking at the programme, the Queen Mother of Amasu in the Dormaa Municipality, Nana Yaa Sakyiwaa Korkor III, encouraged girls and young women to uphold dignity and self-respect in their personal lives.
She cautioned them against engaging in risky sexual behaviour, stressing that womanhood should be valued and protected.
Nana Korkor, who also serves as the Ankobeahemaa (sub-queen) of the Dormaa Traditional Area, expressed concern about the increasing rate of teenage pregnancy in the country and urged young girls to focus on their education and future ambitions.
She noted that despite the many challenges women face, including stereotypes and gender inequality, they should remain determined to pursue their aspirations.
Also speaking at the forum, Joycelyn Adii, Bono Regional Director of the Department of Gender, emphasised the need for collective action to address sexual abuse, including defilement and rape.
She called on traditional authorities, parents and community leaders to work together to protect girls and ensure a safe environment for their development.
Mrs Adii described gender-based violence as one of the most serious human rights violations affecting women and girls, noting that it undermines their social and economic development.
Participants at the forum agreed that stronger community awareness, education and collaboration among stakeholders were essential to improving the safety, dignity and opportunities of women and girls.
