I am Philomina Adjei, a proud Girls and Young Women (GYW) advocate actively engaged in the SHE LEADS project. This initiative has been a transformative journey, equipping me with invaluable knowledge and skills. Through training sessions on leadership, assertiveness, effective communication, harmful gender norms, menstrual hygiene, teenage pregnancy, and more, I have grown immensely in confidence and capability.
As part of the project, I’ve participated in radio discussions, peer-to-peer sensitization, and webinars, which have significantly enhanced my public speaking skills. Empowered by these experiences, I contested and won the position of Women’s Commissioner in my school. I am currently serving as the Women’s Commissioner for the Public Health Students Association at the University of Health and Allied Sciences.
Additionally, I had the unique opportunity to visit the Municipal Chief Executive of the Hohoe Municipal Assembly and represent my community at the Africa Beijing +30 Consultations in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, facilitated by FEMNET. This event, themed “Uniting in Solidarity, Safeguarding our Gains, Amplifying our Voices,” brought together youth and civil society organizations to discuss women’s empowerment.
Following the consultations, I participated in the 4th African Girls and Young Women Festival (AGYWF), celebrating 30 years of the Beijing Declaration. The festival featured inspiring figures such as Gertrude Mongella, the first President of the Pan-African Parliament. These experiences have enriched my advocacy journey, allowing me to connect with like-minded leaders and champions of girls and young women’s empowerment.
The SHE LEADS project has truly been life-changing. Inspired by its impact, I am committed to giving back to my community by empowering other girls and young women in my school and community.
SHE LEADS, WE GAIN