The fight against Sexual and Gender-based Violence (SGBV) in the Upper West Region took a youthful turn as basic school pupils engaged in a debate competition aimed at promoting awareness, advocacy, and behavioural change among children and adolescents.
The initiative, organised by the Rural and Urban Women’s Association (RUWA Ghana), formed part of activities marking this year’s International Day of the Family.
The debate, held in Wa over the weekend, brought together He-For-She clubs from Fallahia and Busa basic schools in the Wa Municipality, as well as Dorimon and Vieri basic schools in the Wa West District.
Participants debated the topic: “Is Sexual and Gender-based Violence and other discrimination more caused by sociocultural issues than social media?”
The programme was organised under the “Enough Project,” an intervention designed to empower girls, boys, women, and men through creativity and social media advocacy to break the silence surrounding SGBV in the Upper West Region.
The project is being implemented by RUWA Ghana with support from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
Speaking at the event, Mr Masud Aziz Rauf, Executive Director of RUWA Ghana, said the project sought to educate young people on the harmful effects of gender-based violence at an early age to help reduce abuse and discrimination in society.
He explained that exposing school children to discussions on SGBV would encourage them to become advocates against violence within their schools, homes, and communities.
“We want the students to understand the effects of gender-based violence so they can help stop it and also educate others,” he stated.
Mr Rauf encouraged the participants to carry the message beyond the competition and use the knowledge gained to sensitise their peers and relatives.
Officials from key state institutions also used the platform to urge children to report abuse and avoid suffering in silence.
ASP Stella Niabi, Upper West Regional Coordinator of the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), advised the pupils to speak up against all forms of violence and abuse and promptly report cases to the police for action.
She stressed that silence often protects perpetrators and leaves victims vulnerable.
Ms Linda Dassah of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) also encouraged children to confide in trusted adults or authorities whenever they experience abuse.
“Do not keep quiet when you are abused. Speak to someone you trust and seek help,” she advised.
Other stakeholders present included Pognaa Amamata Mumuni, Wa Municipal Girl Child Coordinator, Madam Kutun Abdulai, Wa Municipal Chairperson of the Federation of Persons with Disabilities, and teachers from participating schools.
At the end of the competition, participating schools received citations, sanitary pads, exercise books, and other educational materials in recognition of their participation and commitment to the anti-SGBV campaign.
