Empowering Boys Through Community Training in the Ashanti Region
Addressing Gender-Based Violence
The Department of Gender in the Ashanti Region has kicked off an innovative series of community training sessions aimed at reshaping how adolescent boys understand power, relationships, and personal responsibility. Amid growing concerns over alarming instances of domestic violence, highlighted by disturbing videos circulating on social media, this initiative is a timely and critical response.
The Need for Change
At a recent training session in the Asokore Mampong Municipality, Acting Regional Head of the Department of Gender, Ama Nyanta Boateng, articulated the urgency of the program. “We cannot wait for boys to become men before we talk to them about violence,” she emphasized. The initiative seeks to instill values of positive masculinity and awareness about how their actions impact those around them, particularly young girls.
Target Audience and Collaborative Efforts
The program is a collaborative effort with the Ashanti Regional Secretariat of the National Population Council, featuring a comprehensive tour around various districts, municipalities, and mining communities. The primary focus is on boys aged 13 to 19, with a special emphasis on reaching those who are out of school. Boateng recognizes a societal gap: “Society talks to girls a lot. We teach them how to behave, how to protect themselves. But boys do not get the same guidance. If we leave them out, we create a gap that leads to abuse.”
Key Topics of Discussion
During these training sessions, critical discussions are held around essential topics such as respect, consent, emotional regulation, and the long-term repercussions of abusive behavior. Boateng highlighted a common perception among adolescent boys, stating, “They often see violence as normal because no one explains its impact. We want them to understand that violence is a choice, not a norm.”
Importance of Engaging Boys
The Regional Manager of the National Population Council, Mercy Adomaa Beseah, reinforced the vital role boys play in mitigating gender-based violence. She pointed out, “If the boy is not guided, the girl pays the price.” The program aims not only to prevent violence but also to reduce adolescent pregnancies and emotional harm caused by toxic behaviors.
Beseah also noted that out-of-school boys are at a heightened risk, often relying on peers for information. “Parents rarely talk to them about sex or emotions. We want to fill that gap,” she explained.
Incorporating Sexual Health Education
In addition to discussions on violence and relationships, the training includes valuable lessons on sexual health, delivered in partnership with the Ghana AIDS Commission. Olivia Graham, the Commission’s Technical Coordinator in the region, emphasized the importance of sexual health education, particularly regarding HIV and sexually transmitted infections. She advised, “The biggest risk is unprotected sex. Testing takes only 15 minutes. Every young person should know their status.”
Graham highlighted that early testing and treatment can prevent long-term health complications. “HIV is not a death sentence. But silence puts young people at risk,” she cautioned, making clear the need for open communication about these issues.
Expanding the Program’s Reach
Ama Nyanta Boateng reiterated the commitment to expanding this crucial program into more communities. “We want boys and girls to grow into adults who can live without violence. To do that, we must start with honest conversations with boys now,” she asserted.
The Department of Gender is already looking ahead, with plans for the next sessions targeting mining communities, where economic pressures and prevailing social norms can exacerbate risks associated with early relationships and unsafe behaviors. This proactive approach not only aims to educate but also to inspire lasting change in attitudes and behaviors among young males in the region.
