By: Jones Anlimah
The Volta Regional Department of Gender, in collaboration with the Volta Regional Coordinating Council and with support from UNFPA, is enhancing the involvement of men and boys in promoting key Sustainable Development Goals — including good health and well-being (SDG 3), quality education (SDG 4), and gender equality (SDG 5).
Through a series of sensitization programmes, more than 360 men across three districts have been trained to end child marriage, promote gender equality, and foster positive masculinities.
At the latest engagement in Adaklu Torda, in the Adaklu District of the Volta Region, 119 men, including traditional leaders, youth, church representatives, and persons with disabilities, were schooled on gender roles, the impact of toxic masculinities, and ways to prevent sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
The Adaklu District Chief Executive Jerry Yao Ameko, encouraged participants to re-examine masculinity as a force for peace and community development. “The time has come for us to make our masculinity benefit us,” he said, stressing that positive masculinity can reduce conflicts and strengthen families.
Volta Regional Director of the Department of Gender, Mrs. Thywill Kpe, reaffirmed the commitment of UNFPA, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, and the Regional Coordinating Council to partner with men and boys in ending SGBV, child marriage, and other harmful practices.
She explained that empowering men as allies accelerates progress on SDG 5, (gender equality and empowerment for all women and girls), improves adolescent sexual and reproductive health (SDG 3), and expands educational opportunities for girls (SDG 4). “Sensitizing men and boys builds understanding of these dangers, enabling them to make informed decisions and support gender relations that strengthen communities,” she said.
Mrs. Kpe called on men to report SGBV, harmful cultural practices, and communicate openly with their children to prevent teenage pregnancies. She reminded participants that gender-based violence is a punishable human rights violation and encouraged them to seek help from DOVVSU, CHRAJ, social welfare officers, and health professionals.
Health Officers, led by Mr. Matthew Ayamba of the Ghana Health Service, dispelled myths around family planning and warned of the severe health risks of adolescent pregnancies, including obstructed labour and fistula.
The sensitization programme which is part of the UNFPA–UNICEF Global Programme to End Child Marriage (GPECM III), continues to build the capacity of men and boys as partners in promoting gender equality and ending harmful practices, ensuring sustainable progress toward the SDGs.
