Department of Gender holds dialogue on gender equality and SRHR with young men

The Department of Gender in the Volta Region held a one-day dialogue session on Gender Equality, Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) with young men in Mafi Kumase, located in the Central Tongu District.

This session, held on November 15, 2024, focused on reshaping perceptions of masculinity and addressing key issues such as gender-based violence and adolescent pregnancies.

Madam Kpe, the Volta Regional Director of Gender, highlighted the importance of this dialogue in reshaping societal views on masculinity. "This is a dialogue with young men to promote gender equality, prevent gender-based violence, and encourage more positive masculinities," she said. The initiative is part of the Global Program to End Child Marriage, supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and organized by the Volta Regional Coordinating Council.

Madam Kpe explained that harmful notions of masculinity often lead young men to engage in risky behavior, jeopardizing their health and leading to legal troubles. “Many of them, influenced by their socialization and the masculinities they've internalized, end up committing serious offenses like rape and defilement,” she noted, pointing out that these actions often stem from a lack of understanding about the law. She stressed the critical role men can play in challenging harmful gender norms and creating an environment where both genders can thrive.

One of the key goals of the initiative is to reduce adolescent pregnancies, gender-based violence, and discrimination against women by promoting more positive masculinity. “Our aim is to shift the narrative and help young men adopt healthier attitudes, particularly in relation to sexual and reproductive health,” Madam Kpe explained.

The dialogue also focused on building a network of young men who could serve as champions in combating gender-based violence and practices like child marriage. Madam Kpe emphasized that transforming gender relations is crucial for ending child marriage. “To truly end child marriage, we must transform gender relationships. Men and women must have more positive interactions,” she said.

This initiative has received positive responses across three districts in the Volta Region, reaching nearly 300 young men in communities such as Anyanui in the Keta Municipal Assembly, Devego and Zukpe in Ketu North, and Mafi Kumase. Madam Kpe expressed hope that the participants would use their newfound knowledge to educate their peers, creating more champions against child marriage and other violations of human rights. “We pray that many of them will use their knowledge to educate others,” she concluded.

The event also featured an educational session on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) led by Godsway Adabah, a Public Health Nurse. Adabah explained the risks of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), including HIV, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. He emphasized the serious health complications that STIs can cause, particularly if left untreated. “When HIV is not addressed, it can lead to complications that result in death, mental retardation, and even poverty,” he warned.

Adabah also discussed the issue of teenage pregnancy, which has seen a steady decline in recent years. “Teenage pregnancy rates have decreased from 17% in 2021 to 13.1% as of October 2024,” he noted. Despite these improvements, he acknowledged that some areas still struggle with health-related issues. "The attitude toward health is poor in some parts of the district, but in other areas, residents are proactive about visiting health facilities," he explained.

To address teenage pregnancy, key interventions include promoting the reporting of rape and defilement cases, which has led to increased community involvement. "Some chiefs have been supportive, and we're seeing more cases being reported to the police, which helps us find solutions," Adabah said.

Hon. Azanu, the Assembly Member for Mafi Kumase Electrical Area, expressed his satisfaction with the engagement, stating that it opened his mind and that of the young men to new perspectives. He also encouraged parents to take greater responsibility for their children’s welfare, noting that many of the issues discussed during the dialogue were related to the failure of some parents to properly care for their children. "If only the things they've been taught today can be put into practice, the future will be bright for us," he said. He urged the youth to practice total abstinence, stressing the importance of prevention over cure. "If you're not yet 16 or 18, it's better to abstain to protect your future," he advised.

The event also saw participation from local chiefs and Queen Mothers, including Torgbe Awuku Bokor, Torgbe Anorba IV, and Mama Etuwosi II, who pledged their support to combat sexual violence in the community and encouraged participants to put the lessons they learned into action.

This dialogue session marks a significant step toward promoting gender equality and improving sexual and reproductive health in the Volta Region. It continues to foster a positive environment where young men can play a vital role in advancing these important social changes.