The She Leads Movement under Community Aid for Rural Development (CARD Ghana) organized a one-day leadership and gender equality training for girls in Wa.
The event took place at the Upper West Regional Library and brought together female students from six senior high schools in the Wa Municipality.
The schools were:
1. Wa Senior High School
2. Wa Technical Institute
3. Wa Islamic Senior High School
4. Wa Senior High Technical School
5. TI Ahmadiyya Senior High School
6. Jamiat Islamic Girls Senior High School
In her opening remarks, Madam Ernestina Acting Director of CARD Ghana and Project Coordinator of SheLeads Ghana , said the aim of the program was to educate the girls on the importance of taking leadership roles in communities often dominated by men.
“We want to prepare young girls to be confident, creative, and bold enough to take leadership positions in the future. This is how we break the cycle of inequality and build a balanced society,” she said.
The program also included an educational segment on menstrual health and hygiene, led by Madam Alima, a nurse from St. Joseph Catholic Hospital in Jirapa. She taught the girls about the proper use of menstrual products, how to stay clean during their periods, and the importance of self-care.
“When you maintain your hygiene, you feel good about yourself, and it gives you the confidence to go about your day,” she explained.
The girls actively asked questions and shared their experiences during this session.
Mr. Saliu Mohammed Awal, the Programs and Business Development Manager of Noni-Hub, spoke to the girls about leadership and communication skills.
“Leadership starts with how you communicate and how you treat others. A good leader listens, understands, and takes action,” he encouraged.
Madam Neama Abdullah from the Legal Aid Commission also gave a talk on gender equality and the rights of girls.
“You have the right to education, to safety, and to be treated equally. Do not let anyone make you feel less because you are a girl,” she told the students.
The She Leads Movement, which is part of CARD Ghana’s broader initiative, aims to empower young girls and women across Ghana. CARD Ghana works mainly in rural communities to fight poverty, promote education, health, and gender equality.
This training is one of many steps being taken to prepare the next generation of female leaders in Ghana.
