BONO GENDER DIRECTOR URGES GIRLS TO SPEAK UP AGAINST SEXUAL ABUSE DURING INTERNATIONAL DAY OF GIRL CHILD

The Bono Regional Director of the Department of Gender, Mrs. Jocelyn Adii, has called on girls to be bold and report teachers or individuals who attempt to sexually abuse them to school authorities.

She described the increasing cases of sexual abuse and exploitation among girls in Senior High Schools (SHS) as disturbing and unacceptable, stressing the need for collective and decisive action to end the menace and create a safe learning environment for girls.

Mrs. Adii made the call during a Girls’ Forum held to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child, celebrated under the theme “Raising Confident Girls for Tomorrow’s Leadership.”

The International Day of the Girl Child, observed annually on October 11, was established through United Nations General Assembly Resolution 66/170 in 2011 to recognize girls’ rights and the unique challenges they face globally.

The forum, organized by the Gender Unit of the Sunyani West Municipal Directorate of Education in partnership with the Bono Regional Office of the National Youth Authority (NYA), brought together over 1,000 girls from basic schools within the Fiapre, Nsoatre, Chiraa, and Odomase circuits. The event sought to empower participants to pursue education and leadership opportunities with confidence.

Mrs. Adii emphasized that while girls may be vulnerable, they possess immense potential that must be nurtured and protected. She noted that sexual abuse is not only a violation of their rights and dignity but also a barrier to their personal growth and development.

“Girls must focus on building their future through education. Sex can wait, your priority now should be your studies,” she advised.

Also addressing the forum, Mrs. Constance Adogbama Ayambila, the Sunyani West Gender Education Officer, encouraged the girls not to see themselves as inferior but to work hard and aspire to greater heights.

Ms. Princella Dzidzor, a Programmes Officer at the NYA Bono Regional Office, reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to empowering girls for leadership through mentorship programmes aimed at helping them discover and develop their full potential.

“We want to see young girls grow into responsible women who will lead and make meaningful contributions to society,” she stated.