LauraBAllan

Laura: Getting work done in Ghana can be very different then in Canada/the Western World. Everything moves at much slower pace, so patience is key. It can be difficult at times when dealing with headmasters and the Ghana Education System, often they do not have a set schedule, things can change without much notice which makes things difficult when trying to organize logistics of programs.

GLP Girls: GLP has helped us improve our English and has empowered us to have more confidence, be brave, be more courageous and self reliant. It has helped us to learn more about ourselves, know our strengths and the power we possess as girls. One thing we have talked about that was very helpful was discussions on power structures and making sure we do not view ourselves as inferior.

Laura: I am loving Ghana so far, the people are warm and friendly. Living in a village is very different from living in a city in Canada but it is an amazing experience and I am learning SO much. Eye Paa !

Reena: I have been empowered by GLP to take my rightful positions, I want to be a Lawyer so that I can fight for women in Ghana and everywhere! Mardiya: My goal is that after I finish the program with my GLP students they will be happy and empowered by the program. My ambition is to be a teacher. Grace: I want the GLP students to know that they are good and right as women and that they are equal can become the president if they desire to. I want to be a nurse in the future

We are currently doing this AMA from a village called Antoa. Our Program Associate Mardiya works in Antoa, Grace works in a villlage called Achinakrom and Reena works in Asanteman.

One of the biggest topic that we talk about in the Girls Leadership Program is building confidence in girls. Another common topic is how to deal with difficult situations (i.e. sexual harassment). GLP also focuses on goal setting for girls

We want the program to create a safe space for girls to bring any issues they may have forward without judgment or danger. We work with Form 2 Senior High School students aged 16-18, and girls can be vulnerable at this age (or any age) so by having the club be only for girls it allows a comfortable setting for them.

We do have a Boys for Positive Change program as well, which is a similar after school club for Form 2 Senior High boys, it is currently being implemented in its pilot phase this term in one of the schools we work in.

Not to say that men are the specific source of danger or judgment (although they may be one), the importance of having the club as girls only reiterates the safe space we are looking to create. In general 17 year old girls will feel more comfortable talking to other 17 year old girls about personal issues rather than to 17 year old boys. In Ghana it is changing and progressing but women are still seen as lower level humans than men. Gender based violence is an issue, so having a safe space for girls is important in mobilizing the change of these cultural norms.