BY: News Desk | Voltaonlinegh.com|
As part of the ‘Young and Safe’ Project in the Ho municipality, Love Aid Foundation, a member of the project consortium, has organized a stakeholders’ dialogue session on Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) on Monday, August 28, 2023, in Ho.
The event brought together relevant stakeholders from Civil Society Organizations, Media, Government Agencies, and youth groups to deliberate on sexual and reproductive health concerns among young people.
Miss Princess Lovia Tetteh, Executive Director of Love Aid Foundation, in her welcome remarks, underscored the urgency of initiating discussions about SRHR, which, she noted, directly impacts the well-being of the youth on a daily basis. She emphasized the need for frank conversations on the subject to safeguard the lives of the younger generation.
Emmanuel Agbesi, Curriculum Developer with Love Aid, highlighted the role of stakeholders in guiding and counseling the youth, touching upon the importance of approachability and relevance. “It matters how we package our message and advice,” he stressed, stating the critical aspect of effective communication. He further highlighted the challenges faced by the youth, such as the surge in poor decision-making, the adverse impact of social media, and the weight of peer pressure.
Participants later held a breakout session to digest the SRHR curriculum and offer strategies to ensure an effective campaign on the subject matter. Among their proposals were making SRHR information sources accessible to young people and promoting discussions within households. In addition, they advocated for experts to intervene in schools and homes to reshape mindsets and educate parents on sexual and reproductive changes, among others.
Mr. Joshua Ayayi, Programmes Officer at Love Aid, took participants through the use of the GBV App – ‘Let’s Talk Ghana’ – to report sexual abuses and violence in real time for prompt action from authorities. The event concluded with assurances from all to work collaboratively in providing a safe environment for young people to thrive.
“The Young and Safe” Project is being implemented by a consortium of organizations including Node Eight as the lead, Ho Municipal Assembly, Ghana Education Service, and Love Aid Foundation. Over the course of three years, the project aims to build a “youth inclusive city” through youth participation in “City Governance,” Health and Wellbeing, and Sustainable Employment for young people in Ho.
