According to ghana news agency: Leading Change, Securing Safety,’ brought together students, traditional leaders, clergy, social workers, and development partners across the Volta Region to celebrate resilience and advocate equality. Mama Atrato II, the Queenmother of Ho-Dome, chaired the event and urged stakeholders and the public to create supportive environments for visually impaired girls, emphasizing that leadership has no boundaries.
Reverend Mrs Nyuieme Adiepena, the Board Chair of the Foundation, encouraged girls to believe in their dreams despite their limitations, stating that ‘Vision is more powerful than sight.’ She highlighted that the Foundation continues to train mothers of children with visual impairments in income-generating skills to improve family livelihoods.
Mr Eric Komla Ofori, the Director of the New Horizon Foundation of the Blind, noted that the celebration united two global movements promoting empowerment and inclusion. He emphasized that inclusion is a right and that empowering girls with visual impairments enables them to lead and transform their world. Through its Skills for Livelihood and Empowerment Project, the Foundation has equipped over 100 women and girls with practical skills in soap-making, pastry, advocacy, and financial literacy.
Mrs Thywill Eyra Kpe, the Volta Regional Director of Gender, Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, in an address read by Mr Eugene Elikem Agamah, reaffirmed the department’s commitment to promoting gender equality and inclusion, emphasizing that empowerment should transcend physical, social, or economic barriers.
Madam Stella Mawuena, the Volta Regional Director of Social Welfare, urged society to reduce discrimination and focus on the abilities of persons with disabilities, encouraging inclusive attitudes. Ms Simone Henzier, a representative of Deutsches Blindenhilfswerk (DBHW), commended the Foundation for its 12-year partnership supporting education, skills training, and digital inclusion, calling for unity in building a society with equal rights and opportunities for all.
The celebration featured exhibitions of livelihood products, musical performances, and goodwill messages from various institutions, including CHRAJ, Department of Children, Bible Class, Ho East Presbytery, and Regional Girls’ Education Office.