UNFPA Gives Dignity Kits To Kayayei

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has presented dignity kits to more than 300 marginalised adolescent girls (Kayayei) at the Agbogbloshie market and its environs, in Accra, to commemorate International Women's Day Celebration.

The event held Thursday on the theme: 'Transforming the lives of marginalised girls in line with the SDG'S', was in collaboration with Purim African Youth Development Platform (PAYDP), a non-governmental organisation, which seeks to protect the rights of young people, especially women.

It also seeks to promote total development of communities with emphasis on vulnerable groups.

UNFPA's flagship dignity kits contain basic items that enable women to maintain their personal hygiene and sense of dignity during and after emergencies.

The supplies include sanitary napkins, soap, laundry detergents, toothbrush, tooth paste and underwear.

Mr Niyi Ojuolape, UNFPA Representative in Ghana, said the Agency and the PAYDP had over the years provided integrated rights-based legal literacy training for Kayayei and trained them in alternative livelihood skills for improved economic status.

It has also provided legal literacy and sexual and reproductive health services, aimed at reducing gender-based and sexual violence.

Mr Ojuolape urged the Government and the stakeholders involved in the promotion of rights of women to work towards ensuring equality for women and men to uphold the dignity of the entire spectrum of the society.

'It is said that when you train a woman, you train a whole generation so we need to take care of women at every level,' he said.

'At present, women are not being given enough care because there are traditional and cultural practices, which in some way push down women in the society.

'Issues, which have to do with gender-based violence, domestic violence, cultural practices like female genital mutilation, maternal health, obstetric fistula have to be taken care to ensure that women have the best of lives they can.

'It is only when women are taken care of that they can achieve their full potentials and it also along that spectrum that we can have a Ghana Beyond Aid; that is what the President wish Ghana to become.'

Mrs Aku Xornam Kevi, the Executive Director of PAYDP, said her outfit and the UNFPA were committed to improving the living standard of marginalised women and adolescent girls.

Ms Jennifer Mumuni, a 16-year old beneficiary, who spoke on behalf of her colleagues, expressed gratitude to the UNFPA and PAYDP for the gesture and for their commitment in various ways to ensure that their issues received the policy attention that they deserved.

The beneficiaries were also screened of sexual-related diseases, general health conditions and were enlightened on family planning.

International Women's Day (March 8) is a celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.

This year's celebration is on the theme: 'Press for Progress'.