ActionAid Ghana, TuWezeshe Global, and FORWARDUK Hold TuWezeshe Leadership Fellowship on Gender-Based Violence

In a bid to increase strategies to enhance advocacy support to curb gender-based violence, ActionAid Ghana, TuWezeshe Global, and FORWARDUK are actively empowering young women in the Northern region to take a stand against violence. The TuWezeshe Akina Dada fellowship, which translates to "empowering our sisters" in Swahili, is a robust leadership training program developed by Forward UK. The TuWezeshe Akina Dada Leadership Training seeks to empower a generation of African and African Diaspora young women to become effective change-makers in the campaign against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). The first cohort consists of Twenty-one (21) young female leaders, shortlisted based on their unique interest in Feminism and issues affecting women and girls.

Addressing gender-based violence (GBV) and empowering women are not just essential—they are imperative for eradicating this global crisis. WAccording to the United Nation Organisation data, nearly 1 in 3, or 30%, of women have been subjected to physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner or non-partner sexual violence or both. The urgency for action is clear.

Violence against women is an ongoing global crisis fueled by a troubling mix of traditional, social norms and patriarchal practices. Gender-based violence (GBV) remains alarmingly underreported, creating a culture of silence that must be addressed. Available statistics by the Northern Sector Action on Awareness Centre (NORSAAC), an AAG partner based in Tamale reveal nearly 40 cases of GBV between 2020 and 2023. This includes 12 cases of child labour and 11 cases of child abuse, among others. Rape, sexual assault, and domestic violence are grossly underreported in the region, emphasizing the urgent need for decisive action to prevent and combat GBV against women and children in Ghana

The fully funded and free residential training, takes place over six months, starting with residential training, followed by the implementation of the SAP with support from selected Mentors and the implementing partners.

The TuWezeshe framework is anchored in six critical pillars that guarantee lasting change:

1. Leadership training with a strong feminist perspective. 
2. A cash grant to enable the implementation of impactful Social Action Projects (SAP) targeting VAWG
3. A mentorship program providing ongoing support as Fellows navigate their SAP and their leadership journey
4. A focus on self-care to ensure well-being and resilience.
5. The establishment of a sisterhood that fosters solidarity and collaboration. 

These pillars ensure that the impact of TuWezeshe extends far beyond the life of the project, creating sustainable change. The five-day training program is designed to empower young female leaders from diverse communities to serve as assertive ambassadors against VAWG, effectively addressing and curbing violence in their localities. 

ActionAid Ghana’s transformative vision of a just world free from poverty, oppression, and patriarchy requires transformative feminist leaders: leaders who enable others to lead, building power with them instead of over them. This aligns with the TUWEZESHE GLOBAL and FORWARDUK Young Women's Leadership Fellowship.

ActionAid's Northern regional manager, Madam Esther Boateng, highlighted the importance of training young people to confront women's issues. She stated, “Tuwezeshe Akina Dada for ActionAid Ghana supports our vision to empower transformative feminist leaders who will eliminate violence against women and girls”

A participant, Asantewah Yeboah, shared, “The TUWEZESHE AKINA DADA training has been a transformative experience, brimming with invaluable insights into the critical issues that women face in society and the urgent need to confront these challenges. I decided to apply because I am deeply committed to advocating for women and girls, especially in education. Being shortlisted has been a privilege, as I have acquired crucial knowledge that will enhance my advocacy efforts. This comprehensive training has empowered me, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to ActionAid Ghana, FORWARD UK, and Tuwezeshe Global for this opportunity.”

To ensure Fellows are equipped with core leadership skills, the Tuwezeshe ladies will access sub-grants to implement a project (Social Action Project) to tackle any form of VAWG. Fellows would be mentored by skilled and astute social experts to implement social action projects in their various communities. 

-End-