Young people in the Oti Region call for stronger response to gender-based violence
Young people in Ghana’s Oti Region called for greater family involvement in supporting children, stronger school support systems, responses to cases of sexual and gender-based violence, and expanded opportunities for vocational and practical training. These proposals were discussed during a regional youth dialogue with government representatives at the Krachi East Municipal Assembly in Dambai.
The role of families and schools
As MyJoyOnline reports, the event was organized by the LoveAid Foundation as part of the AfriYAN program. Young people, government representatives and other stakeholders took part in the dialogue, discussing practical solutions to issues affecting youth.
Participants stressed that parents should more actively support and guide their children. In their view, families should create a safe space for open conversations about sexuality and personal development, rather than placing this responsibility entirely on schools.
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Response to violence
Participants called on traditional leaders to refer rape cases and sexual offenses against minors to the relevant state institutions instead of handling them through customary procedures. In their view, this should help survivors obtain justice.
The recommendations also included regular training for teachers on sexual and reproductive health and rights, as well as sexual and gender-based violence. Participants proposed assigning trained counselors to primary schools and increasing vocational and practical training for young people, particularly in communities with high rates of teenage pregnancy.
They also called for strengthening the capacity of social services subcommittees to handle such cases, improving referral systems for urgent reports, and supporting cultural values through educational and recreational activities to encourage responsible behavior among young people.
