Nurturing Change Agents for a Just Transition and Girl-Friendly Spaces

As the world prepares for COP30, ActionAid Ghana (AAG) continues to amplify the voices of girls and young women leading climate and social justice actions at the community level.

Throughout October celebrated as Feminine Month, AAG highlighted stories of courage, leadership, and empowerment from across its regional programmes. One of the most inspiring moments came from the Ga West Municipality in the Greater Accra Region, where girls are redefining what empowerment means through activism and collective learning.

Under the Girls’ Empowerment and Advocacy Platforms (GEAPs) initiative, young girls in Ga West are discovering their power to create positive change in their communities. The platform provides a safe and supportive space for girls to learn about climate-friendly practices, gender equality, and their rights to protection and participation.

Last week, the Greater Accra, Volta, and Oti Regional Programmes, in collaboration with the Young Urban Women’s Movement, engaged girls from selected basic schools in an environmental advocacy drive. The activity aimed to promote awareness around environmental sustainability and to strengthen the movement for a just transition — one that places women and girls at the heart of climate action.

With mentorship and support from the Greater Accra Regional Programme team (GAVORP), the girls also explored practical strategies to end sexual harassment in schools and developed pledges that will guide ongoing advocacy through their Girls’ Clubs.

“At ActionAid Ghana, we believe that empowering girls is not just about giving them a voice, it’s about helping them realise the power in their own voice. These young girls are becoming change agents in their schools and communities, using knowledge and confidence to challenge inequalities and advocate for safer, climate-resilient spaces.” ~ said Shevera Anzagira, Programme Manager for the Greater Accra Regional Programme. “

The initiative reflects AAG’s commitment to advancing gender-responsive climate action and ensuring that young people, especially girls are equipped to lead efforts toward a just transition.

Members of the Young Urban Women's Movement lauded AAG's support in giving girls’ leadership priority in their programmes.  The Project Officer, Thelma Assabre-Bonney noted that "today's training is key to ensuring sustainable change tomorrow".

The Strategic Priorities One and Three of AAG’s Country Strategy Paper VII affirm the organisation’s commitment to promoting climate justice that addresses loss and damages, and to ensuring access to quality, gender-responsive public basic education. These priorities are reflected across all levels of programming, including the work of the GEAPs and the Young Urban Women’s Movement. We are happy that every programme and partnership reinforces one belief, when girls are empowered, entire communities thrive.

Written by Jacqueline Parditey & Thelma Assabre-Bonney.