Keta NCCE urges Vui Young Stars to Champion Gender Equality and Healthy Lifestyles

The Keta Municipal Directorate of the Commission has called on members of the Vui Young Stars Football Club to use their influence as young leaders and role models to promote gender equality, healthy lifestyles, and respect for human rights within their communities.

Addressing the team, Municipal Director, Lina Elinam Bensah emphasised that football is not only a sport but also a powerful platform for social transformation. She urged participants to recognise that discipline, teamwork, and respect are not only central to sports but remain equally vital in building safe and inclusive communities.

The interactive session also explored issues of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), adolescent pregnancy, harmful social norms, and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). Participants cited instances of how discriminatory attitudes contribute to GBV and undermine adolescent health and development. They were challenged to become advocates for positive change by promoting mutual respect and standing against all forms of abuse.

Meanwhile, concerns about adolescent pregnancy and limited access to accurate reproductive health information were also highlighted. That notwithstanding, the team was encouraged to make informed choices and support initiatives that improve the well-being of adolescents, particularly girls.

Madam Bensah further stressed that preventing GBV is not solely the responsibility of women and girls, noting that boys and men are critical partners in creating a culture of respect, equality, and non-violence. She urged them to challenge harmful behaviours and support individuals experiencing abuse.

Underscoring the importance of collective community action, the session concluded that silence often allows abuse to persist, hence the need to speak up, seek support, and report incidents of violence or exploitation to the appropriate authorities.

The engagement is part of the project, “Empowering Community and Youth for Adolescent Health, Gender Equality, and Preventing Gender-Based Violence through Civic Engagement,” implemented by the NCCE in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) with financial support from Global Affairs Canada.