Gender Clubs In All Teachers Training Colleges In Northern Region

The concept of gender continues to be considered by many as ambiguous and in most instances, it is being referred to women. While some see gender as solely issues of women, others perceive it to represent women. This has brought about the establishment of many gender activist groups focusing on women issues, which to some gender analysts is the bone of contention. Gender, according to Oxford Advanced learners dictionary, refers to male and female, but due to its attribution to women by many, its meaning continue to remain ambiguous. As a result of this, many people continue to misconstrue the functions of gender advocates as to whether they champion the course of female, male or both sexes. Prominent among issues on gender being championed even at national level is the issue of girl-child education. A gender analyst rhetorically questioned that, 'if all efforts are geared towards girl-child education, what becomes of the boy-child education in future. This, according to many, arguably epitomises the concept of gender as perceived by many activists in that direction. To help correct this misconception, a nongovernmental organization, Northern Sector Action on Awareness Centre, NORSAAC, is to train 50 gender activists and establish them in each of all the training colleges in the Northern region by the end of this year. This was disclosed by the Executive Director of NORSAAC, Madam Hafsah Sey Sumani at a gender Workshop for teacher trainees in Tamale. According to her, gender campaign does not discriminate against men, but rather create a uniform platform for both men and women. Madam Hafsah Sumani cautioned against the widening of disparity between men and women, saying it does not auger well for development and called for the reverse of the trend. NORSAAC has so far established over 30 clubs in basic and Senior secondary schools in the region. The clubs campaign on HIV/AIDS, Gender, Peace, Reproductive Health Education and Child rights.