In a significant effort to promote sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) and foster respectful relationships, Developing Women for Skills and Opportunities (DWoSO) Initiative, in partnership with AmplifyChange, hosted a four-day Consent Matters Workshop in Buduburam, Gomoa East District.
The workshop, held from September 24-27, 2024, aimed to educate and equip 32 young participants (17 girls and 15 boys), aged 15 to 25, with essential knowledge about consent and digital safety.
The event focused on empowering the youth to become advocates for consent within their schools and communities.
The workshop was divided into two parts, with the first two days dedicated to young women and girls, and the following two days focused on young men and boys.
Each session featured interactive presentations and hands-on activities that explored the concept of consent, its importance in relationships, and the digital challenges youth face in today’s world.
The participants actively engaged in role-playing exercises that highlighted verbal and non-verbal ways to seek and give consent, debunking myths like “saying no ruins the mood” and “once given, consent can’t be taken back.”
Day two of the workshop focused on advocacy. Participants were encouraged to develop action plans on how they could bring their newfound understanding of consent and digital safety back to their communities.
Through group work, they created community-based projects aimed at raising awareness about consent, particularly focusing on privacy issues in the digital age.
In her closing remarks, Madam Francisca Nancy Hagan, Executive Director of DWoSO, urged the participants to become active advocates for SRHR in their communities and schools.
She emphasized that their work as consent advocates had only just begun.
“Your responsibility doesn’t end here. You are now empowered to lead the conversation around consent and sexual health in your communities. Be advocates for change, ensure that others understand the importance of consent, and promote safe, respectful relationships. The future of healthier, safer communities begins with you,” she said.
By the end of the workshop, participants expressed a strong commitment to implementing their action plans, eager to bring positive change to their schools, homes, and communities through the promotion of consent and respect.
Ghana | Atinkaonline.com
