Let us empower boys to help the course of women empowerment - Dr S. K. Frimpong
An economist and a former lecturer at the University of Professional Studies (UPSA), Dr S.K. Frimpong, has suggested that to successfully empower women and girls in the country, there is the need to empower the boy-child and groom them to understand the needs of women and girls.
For him, when the boy child is trained with a proper understanding of the needs of the girl-child, he will grow up to support the course of women empowerment.
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He, however, expressed the concern that in promoting girl-child empowerment, the boy child should not be left out as such a situation will not produce the desirable result of achieving proper gender balance.
Dr. S.K Frimpong made the remarks at the launch of the He Empowering Lot More Shes (HELMS) Initiative in Accra on Friday, August 6, 2021.
The project, initiated by his NGO, RoyalAid Foundation seeks to empower men and guide them to stand in solidarity with women to create a bold, visible and united force for gender equality.
Dr Frimpong, who is also a philanthropist explained that the purpose of “this project is to holistically empower the boy child and groom males to understand the needs of the girl child and empower more women.”
The Deputy Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Madam Lariba Zuweira Abudu, expressed optimism that the initiative will help to address the issue of gender equality in the country.
She also commended RoyalAid Foundation, particularly its founder, Dr.S.K Frimpong for leading such a worthy campaign.
She has, therefore, called on the public to join forces to galvanise as many men and boys as possible to be advocates for gender equality in the country.
The Chairman for the occasion, Nana Appiagyei Dankwawo I, who is also the President-General of West Africa Nobles Forum, encouraged religious and traditional leaders to fully support the initiative.
He explained that men and boys play a critical role in helping to prevent sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and all kinds of social vices affecting women.
Speaking on behalf of mentors for the project, Mr Peter Osei, the Chief Executive Officer of Oyarifa Mall, indicated their support for the project.
Media Personality, Abeiku Santana, who is also a mentor on the project, advised the youth to take advantage of the HELMS initiative and learn how to navigate their own challenges in healthy ways.
Shehu Dalhu Abdul-Mumin Salifu, the Spiritual Leader of Ahlulbayt Mission in Northern Ghana and Zongo Chief of Tamale, encouraged the youth to uphold their integrity and appealed to NGOs in Ghana to promote He for She empowerment initiative.