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Tackling gender discrimination …Give boys, girls equal opportunity to thrive
Boys and girls deserve an equal opportunity to thrive
Every girl and boy deserves an equal chance to survive and thrive, yet gender discrimination, continues to rob them of their childhood and limit their potentials.
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UNESCWA) defines gender discrimination as any distinction, exclusion or restriction made on the basis of sex which has the effect or purpose of impairing or nullifying the recognition, enjoyment or exercise by women, irrespective of their marital status, on the basis of equality of men and women, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural, civil or any other field.
Gender discrimination has the tendency to deny girls their rights, kept from school, forced to marry and subjected to violence while her voice is undervalued. This assault on childhood also deprives nations of the energy and talent they need to progress.
According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), boys also suffer from gender norms. Notions of masculinity can fuel child labour, gang violence and recruitment into armed groups. No matter where it prevails, or how it manifests, gender inequality harms every member of society.
An International Organisation, Save the Children says, it will take over 200 years to achieve gender equality, and that is just in the United States of America (USA).
The organisation therefore describes as unacceptable, adding that together, we can create a more equal world, right from the start.
What are the causes of gender discrimination?
Gender discrimination begins from childhood. From the moment girls and boys are born, they face unequal gender norms as well as social norms regarding expectations and access to resources and opportunities in their homes, schools and communities.
For example, girls are most often made to carry or do household chores with the notion of preparing them for future marriage, pregnancy and caring for their children while the boys are often encouraged to go to school and get an education to prepare for work.
This tendency often leads to child marriage and pregnancy among girls.
Effects of gender discrimination
In Ghana, gender discrimination among boys and girls exposes them to the possibility of child marriage, teenage pregnancy, child domestic work, poor education and health, sexual abuse, exploitation and violence.
Girls are more likely than their male counterparts to drop out of school, marry at an early age, and experience challenges in their sexual and reproductive health and rights. They are also more likely to be exposed to violence and exploited in child labour.
Way Forward
Gender equality is a basic right for all people, including both girls and boys, it is therefore critical for Ghana to directly address gender discrimination in order to ensure that no harm comes to children while ensuring that every child attains their equal right to grow up healthily, educated and safe.
Gender equality is essential to close the inequality gaps including those who are most vulnerable.
To build a more equal, inclusive future, free from gender discrimination, Ghana needs to start in childhood.
Also according to Ghanaians Against Child Abuse (GACA), a social drive campaign for the protection of children and also aimed at reducing violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of children, gender inequalities were drivers of many child protection violations.
They begin with boys’ and girls’ socialisation in the family, school or community which encourages them to follow specific cultural norms and roles deemed appropriate for their gender.
The gendered socialisation can mean that girls are expected to do more domestic work, not get as much or as quality schooling as boys, to marry younger, be less mobile, or tolerate physical and sexual abuse.
Conversely, it can mean that boys are expected to be more aggressive, violent, mobile, unruly and responsible for and capable of making money, having a job, etc.
GACA said it is the role of families, schools and communities to ensure boys and girls grow up with more gender equitable roles and practices, and achieve gender equitable outcomes in protection, safety and life opportunities.
According to UNICEF, Gender equality means that girls and boys enjoy the same rights, resources, opportunities and protections. In 2021, UNICEF ushered in a new gender policy (2021–2030) articulating its vision for gender equality in its programmes, as well as at workplaces and practices, around the globe.
The Gender Action Plan (2022– 2025) charts UNICEF’s way forward with a series of time-bound results that deliver lasting, transformative change for children, adolescents and women worldwide.
UNICEF and other international organisations are working with partners in Ghana on a variety of educational initiatives including the development of gender-responsive school curricula; gender training for education professionals to help eliminate gender discrimination.
Conclusion
Tackling gender discrimination in boys and girls is a collective responsibility for all Ghanaians. It is therefore important for individuals, organisations and governments to take deliberate steps to achieve gender equality for all irrespective of one’s gende
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
News
Oguaa indigenes urged to unite to develop area
Photo Credit: myjoyonline.com
Rich Akan traditions of Fantes and Asantes were the highlights of the celebrations of this year’s Fetu Afahye of the chiefs and people of Oguaa Traditional Area (Cape Coast) which was climaxed last Saturday with a durbar.
Beyond the glitz and splendour was the showcasing of different forms of traditional regalia amidst rich cultural displays of unique Fante and Asante ensembles, both demonstrating distinct Ghanaian identities in unanimity.
Tekua, a Fante traditional hairstyle won by a generation of Fante women caught the attention of a number of the celebrants.
The attendance of Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, took the joy and excitement a notch higher with frenzied atmosphere to welcome him.
The Asantehene who attended the programme by a special invitation from the Omanhen of the Oguaa Traditional Area was accompanied by a large retinue of chiefs from Asanteman.
The Fetu Afahye is a cultural celebration by the people of Oguaa, drawing both locals and visitors from across the country and beyond.
It was held to mark a bumper harvest season and to thank the 77 deities of the Oguaa Traditional Area.
This year’s edition marks the 60th to be held after its suspension.
It also marked the 25th anniversary commemoration of the enthronement of Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II as the Omanhen of the Oguaa Traditional Area.
There was display of rich traditional dances by the various Asafo companies from the Mfantsipim School junction to the Jubilee Park for the durbar.
This year’s event attracted political figures such as Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who doubles as the Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and his running mate, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh and other leading figures of the party.
The Vice Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang and other leading members of the NDC also attended the event.
From David O. Yarboi-Tetteh, Cape Coast
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News
Suicide cases high among JHS/SHS students: MHA calls for immediate action to curb menace
The Mental Health Authority (MHA) is calling for immediate solutions to address the alarming prevalence of suicide cases among Junior and Senior High School students.
According to the Authority, it was crucial to pay attention to such children as studies in Ghana are showing a high prevalence of suicidal behaviours among students.
This came to light at a symposium in Accra on Tuesday to mark the World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD).
It was held on the theme “Changing the narrative on suicide with a call to action; start the conversation.”
Speaking at the symposium, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Authority, Professor Pinaman Appau said alarmingly, the prevalence has been reported to be higher among Junior High School students compared to those in the Senior High School.
She said various studies including a 2023 edition conducted by Azazu and Joe found that there was prevalence of 20.4 per cent of suicidal thoughts, 23.4 per cent for suicidal planning, and 28.4 per cent for actual suicide attempts among these groups of school children.
She mentioned bullying, abuse especially physical and sexual, neglect, substance use, family poverty, adolescent conflict with parents, corporal punishment and poor academic performance as causes leading to suicidal thoughts.
Again, factors including previous attempts, mental illness, gambling, financial and job crisis, chronic illness and pain, criminal or legal and impulsive behaviour can also lead to suicide.
Prof Appau said the challenges faced with addressing suicide issues were multifaceted and complex, adding that people grapple with stigma surrounding mental health issues, limited access to mental health services and a lack of general awareness of suicide prevention strategies.
She said the challenges were further compounded by deepening socio-economic challenges in societies such as the harsh reality of economic hardship, unemployment and social instability.
Dr Appau mentioned that the rippling effect of suicide leaves behind a trail of grief, guilt, and unanswered questions, saying, the economic cost of suicide attempts in terms of health care expenses and loss of productivity places additional burden on the country’s strained resources.
She said a total of 81 persons have committed suicide in 2024 with 543 attempts across the country, adding that the figure indicates an alarming increase compared to the 594 attempts and 48 completed cases recorded in 2023.
Regionally, Greater Accra, Eastern and Central regions recorded the highest numbers of suicide attempts for the first half of the year 2024, with most completed suicides occurring in the Greater Accra region.
Prof Appau has therefore called for a concerted effort to resolve and change the narrative by engaging stakeholders including security and media personnel, to create nationwide awareness and education through various media platforms.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
