Over 100 students of Hijaz Islamic Basic School in Korle Gonno, Greater Accra Region, have been educated on the manifestations of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in schools and their communities.

The engagements, held under the Young Voices Matter: Empowering Boys and Girls in the Fight Against Gender-Based Violence project, encouraged students to speak out against GBV.

This initiative is part of the United States Department of State International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) Impact Award Project led by Regina Asamoah, a multiple award-winning journalist and Founder of Missing Children Ghana.

The project is funded by the United States Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, with Meridian International Center as the implementing partner.

Moderating the interactive sessions, Regina Asamoah emphasised that GBV in schools and communities is stifling children’s potential and childhood experiences. “Knowledge is power, and that is why we are here—to equip you with knowledge to empower you. Do not let cultural norms force you into silence. Silence hides violence,” she urged.

ACP (Retired) Dr. Patience Ashorkor Quaye provided insights into GBV, its criminal implications and various forms, including bullying, sexual harassment, and teasing. Dr. Quaye who is also a Fellow of Missing Children Ghana cautioned students against engaging in such behaviors and encouraged them to respect the rights of their peers.

Prof. Samuel Kojo Kwofie, Head of Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Ghana, addressed Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV).

He highlighted the dangers of cyberbullying, sextortion, deepfake and cyberstalking, advising students to think critically before sharing content online to avoid victimization.

Prof. Kwofie also engaged students in a lively discussion, allowing them to share experiences and strategies for navigating digital threats. He admonished that “GBV occurring online is a harmful phenomenon for school children, so policies and strategies need to be formulated to address the growing menace”.

He further reiterated that each school nominates teachers and students as GBV ambassadors to make the fight against GBV sustainable and impactful.

To make the fight easier, specific digital applications need to be developed to support students from becoming victims, he said.

Dr. Dzifa Abra Attah, a clinical psychologist and senior lecturer at the University of Ghana Medical School, delved into the emotional trauma caused by GBV.

She led students in a practical session on emotional resilience and urged them to seek guidance from trusted adults when dealing with GBV-related issues.

Dr. Attah who is also a Fellow of Missing Children Ghana, encouraged teachers to identify and support students who may be suffering silently.

The U.S. Embassy Ghana Alumni Coordinator, Chantel Bekoe, used the occasion to inform students about various educational opportunities offered by the embassy.

She encouraged them to utilize the knowledge gained, noting that such opportunities are rare for students their age.

The headmistress of Hijaz Islamic Basic School, Ellen Adjaye- Gyamfi, expressed gratitude to the project team for selecting their school, located in a community vulnerable to GBV.

She advocated similar sessions for the entire community. Martha Breh, the Municipal School Improvement Support Officer, echoed this call, emphasising the need to extend such educational initiatives to other schools within the municipality to address the harmful effects of bullying, harassment, and teasing.

To commemorate the sessions, the project team, assisted by Chantel Bekoe, presented a certificate of participation to the school and provided over 100 different educational posters on GBV for display in the school.

These posters aim to reinforce learning and serve as a constant reminder to students to stand against GBV.