Stepping It Up in Savelugu: International Women's Day

By Alison Skiba

This year, International Women’s day was Tuesday 8^th March. NFED International Service had the privilege of spending the day with our IGGs, host families and members of the Savelugu community.

International Women’s day is an annual opportunity to celebrate the social, political and economic successes of women worldwide so what a great opportunity to bring our IGGs together and celebrate their success! However, it is more than just a celebration, it is also a call to action for gender parity.

We began the day with an awareness raising session based on the importance of gender equality.  We didn’t expect so many people to turn up and had to bring in more chairs! 

We shared some important ideas with everyone who attended such as: “Think Globally, Act Locally.” Any change has to start in the community with local people. This is how we will tackle the problem worldwide. 

“Pledge for Parity” – This calls for everyone, men and women, to commit towards achieving gender parity! Gender parity benefits everyone, not just the women who are being empowered; A very important message in our communities!

#HeForShe is a movement which also calls for everyone to stand together and take action to create equality.

A major goal set by the UN is to have gender equality – 50/50 – by the year 2030! It’s time to step up and take action! Here, members of the IGG in Balshei call for #Planet5050

We followed our awareness raising session with some dancing – always a great way to break the ice and get everyone involved! 

Volunteer Rashida dancing with members of our IGGs. 

A perfect end to a great celebration of our IGGs and all of their successes! 

Members of our IGGs as well as our volunteers, members of the community and our host families all got involved! It was an amazing cultural experience for all.

NFED International Service Savelugu had lots of help and support from NFED International Service Tolon! Here are both teams after the event.

We had a great day and, more importantly, managed to share some crucial messages with our IGGs and members of the community all while celebrating and having fun. Here is to the progress we will make over the next year!