NCCE Keta Takes Civic Education on GBV Prevention and Adolescent Health Directly to Communities

Residents of several communities in the Keta Municipality received vital education on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) prevention, positive masculinity, and adolescent health as the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Keta Municipal Directorate, intensified its public awareness campaign through a Mobile Van Broadcast exercise.

The outreach programme forms part of the project titled "Empowering Community and Youth for Adolescent Health, Gender Equality, and Preventing Gender-Based Violence through Civic Engagement," which is being implemented by the NCCE in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and funded by Global Affairs Canada. The initiative seeks to promote gender equality, improve adolescent health outcomes, and strengthen community participation in preventing gender-based violence.

Recognizing the need to reach a wider audience, particularly those in hard-to-reach areas, the Keta Municipal Directorate adopted the Mobile Van Broadcast approach to ensure that critical civic education messages reached all segments of society. Through a combination of live public announcements and educational jingles delivered in the local language, the campaign effectively engaged community members and enhanced understanding of key social issues.

Communities reached during the exercise included Havedzi and Anlo Afiadenyigba Junction. The mobile outreach team visited strategic public locations such as markets, schools, and lorry stations, where traders, drivers, commuters, students, and residents gathered to receive information on Gender-Based Violence prevention, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), and positive masculinity.

During the sensitization exercise, community members were educated on the harmful effects of gender-based violence and the importance of creating safe and supportive environments for women, girls, and other vulnerable groups. The messages also emphasized the need for men and boys to serve as allies in promoting respect, equality, and non-violence within their homes and communities.

Furthermore, residents were encouraged to support survivors of abuse and promptly report incidents of violence to the appropriate authorities. The campaign stressed that ending gender-based violence requires collective action and the active involvement of all members of society.

Speaking during the exercise, the Municipal Director, Ms. Lina Elinam Bensah, highlighted the importance of speaking out against abuse and injustice. According to her, reporting cases of violence not only protects victims but also helps prevent future occurrences and contributes to building safer and more inclusive communities.

The activity sought to increase public awareness of Gender-Based Violence, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, and adolescent health issues. Additionally, it aimed to influence positive attitudes and behaviours among men and boys, strengthen community participation in preventing violence, and enhance collaboration among stakeholders working to address gender-related challenges.

The Keta Municipal Directorate of the NCCE reaffirmed its commitment to sustained civic engagement and public education initiatives aimed at promoting healthy relationships, gender equality, and violence-free communities. Through continuous outreach and stakeholder collaboration, the Commission remains dedicated to empowering citizens to contribute to a safer, healthier, and more inclusive society.