Empowering Girls with Visual Impairments in Volta Region

Stakeholders in Ho have called for greater inclusion, empowerment, and safety for girls with visual impairments, marking this year’s International Day of the Girl Child and International White Cane Safety Day. The event, organised by the New Horizon Foundation of the Blind, was held under the theme: “Girls with Vision: Leading Change, Securing Safety”, and brought together students, traditional leaders, clergy, social workers, and development partners across the Volta Region.

Key Highlights:

• Leadership Beyond Limitations: Mama Atrato II, Queenmother of Ho-Dome, emphasised that girls with visual impairments are “not limited by what they cannot see” and highlighted the importance of creating supportive environments for their growth and leadership.
• Vision over Sight: Reverend Mrs Nyuieme Adiepena, Board Chair of the Foundation, encouraged girls to pursue their dreams, noting that “Vision is more powerful than sight.” The Foundation also trains mothers of visually impaired children in income-generating skills to boost family livelihoods.
• Skills for Independence: Mr Eric Komla Ofori, Director of the Foundation, shared that through the Skills for Livelihood and Empowerment Project, over 100 women and girls have gained practical skills in soap-making, pastry, advocacy, and financial literacy to enhance independence and dignity.
• Government Commitment: Mrs Thywill Eyra Kpe, Volta Regional Director of Gender, reaffirmed government support for gender equality and inclusion, emphasising that empowerment must transcend physical, social, or economic barriers.
• Inclusive Society: Madam Stella Mawuena, Regional Director of Social Welfare, urged society to focus on abilities rather than limitations, stressing collective responsibility for inclusion.

Global Partnerships: Ms Simone Henzier of Deutsches Blindenhilfswerk (DBHW) lauded the 12-year partnership with the Foundation, supporting education, skills training, and digital inclusion for girls and women with visual impairments.

Celebration Activities: The event featured livelihood exhibitions, musical performances, and goodwill messages from institutions including CHRAJ, Department of Children, Bible Class, Ho East Presbytery, and the Regional Girls’ Education Office.

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Through these initiatives, the New Horizon Foundation demonstrates how empowerment, inclusion, and practical skills training can transform the lives of girls with visual impairments, fostering independence, leadership, and equal opportunities in the Volta Region and beyond.