Empower Girls & Women in Ghana with Fawohodie

1. Introduction

The Adolescent Girls Summit (AGS) 2026 brought together adolescents, youth leaders, civil society organizations, and government representatives from across Africa to engage in dialogue, share experiences, and co-create solutions to challenges affecting adolescent girls under the theme “Count Us In: African Adolescents Co-Creating Solutions to Advance Gender Justice and Rights,”. The summit focused on promoting gender equality, strengthening leadership among young people, and advancing collective action to address barriers such as limited access to education, sexual and reproductive health services, and harmful cultural practices.

The summit created a dynamic and inclusive platform where adolescents were empowered to amplify their voices, engage with policymakers, and contribute meaningfully to discussions that shape their future.

2. Pre-Summit Travel (28th–29th March 2026)

The Ghanaian delegation, funded by the Global Fund for Children and comprising representatives from Street Children Empowerment Foundation, Achievers Ghana, EduSpots, and Youth Advocate Ghana, departed Ghana at 10:30 AM on 28th March 2026. The team made its first stop in Takoradi, where they had lunch before continuing the journey.

Due to late arrival at the Elubo border after 9:00 PM, the team was unable to cross as the border had closed for the day. As a result, they lodged in Elubo and resumed the journey the following morning at 6:00 AM. After completing border formalities, the team proceeded to Yamoussoukro, arriving at 7:50 PM.

3. Pre-Summit Preparatory Session (30th March 2026)

Participants assembled at 8:00 AM for a preparatory session. A detailed briefing was provided on the summit structure. The Safeguarding Committee was introduced, and guidelines were outlined to ensure a safe and respectful environment. The roles of adult assistants were also clearly explained, and committees met to prepare for the summit.

4. Day One Proceedings1. Opening and Welcome Session

The Adolescent Girls Summit (AGS) 2026 officially commenced with the singing of the national anthem of Côte d’Ivoire, setting a tone of cultural pride and unity. The summit theme was introduced, emphasizing adolescent girls’ leadership, resilience, and collective action for change. An affirmation session facilitated by adolescent leaders followed, where participants declared empowering statements such as “I am strong, I am a leader, I am intelligent, I am a feminist, I am a Pan-Africanist, all together for gender equity” creating a strong sense of unity, confidence, and shared identity.

A comprehensive safety, safeguarding, and wellbeing briefing was conducted, outlining expectations for respectful engagement, consent-based photography, responsible communication, and inclusivity for all participants. A cultural performance by adolescents from Côte d’Ivoire provided a vibrant introduction to local heritage, followed by an overview of the summit agenda presented by adolescent representatives from Ghana, encouraging active participation in breakout sessions.

2. Breakout Session 1: The Power of Adolescent Girls’ Leadership

This session explored leadership from the perspective of adolescent girls, focusing on how leadership is demonstrated through influence, confidence, peer support, and initiative in daily life. Participants reflected that leadership is not limited to formal positions but is expressed through everyday actions that create positive change.

Participants further identified barriers to leadership, including cultural restrictions such as child marriage, lack of mentorship, limited access to leadership opportunities, fear of criticism, and discouragement from communities. To address these challenges, they proposed creating inclusive youth platforms, expanding leadership training opportunities, strengthening mentorship systems, promoting peer support, and ensuring adolescent participation in school governance. The session concluded with the insight that leadership begins with self-confidence and that adolescents are already leaders in their communities.

3. Breakout Session 2: Intersectionality and Inclusion

This session focused on the experiences of adolescents and young people with disabilities, highlighting challenges such as stigma, discrimination, limited access to education and services, and exclusion from decision-making spaces. Participants emphasized that inclusion requires intentional systems that ensure equal participation and representation for all young people.

The discussions underscored the importance of collaboration between policymakers, educators, and community leaders in building inclusive environments. Participants recommended strengthening advocacy efforts, improving accessibility in education and services, and creating safe spaces that promote dignity and equal opportunities for adolescents with disabilities.

4. Breakout Session 3: Social Media for Gender Equality

This session examined how digital platforms can be used to promote gender equality and equity while also addressing associated risks. Participants recognized the growing importance of platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn in youth engagement and advocacy.

At the same time, they identified risks such as harassment, misinformation, and exposure of private life. To mitigate these risks, participants emphasized the need for fact-checking, responsible content creation, adherence to national laws, and continuous learning. The session also included practical training where participants worked in groups to design podcast content aimed at promoting gender equality through digital storytelling and advocacy.

5. Breakout Session 4: Funding Adolescent Girls’ Initiatives

This session explored the financial barriers affecting youth-led initiatives. Participants highlighted challenges such as rigid funding requirements, complex documentation processes, limited capacity-building opportunities, and unequal access to funding information, especially for those in rural areas.

To address these challenges, participants recommended simplified funding processes, more flexible application requirements, increased capacity-building support, and the use of accessible communication formats such as videos and local languages. They also proposed innovative approaches such as hackathons, competitions, and youth innovation festivals. Existing funding opportunities such as the Pan African Girls Fund, Purposeful Fund, Girls First Fund, and CRIF were also identified as key resources for young people.

6. Breakout Session 5: From Declarations to Action

This session focused on translating commitments into practical action across different African countries. Participants emphasized priorities such as ending child marriage and gender-based violence, increasing access to STEM education for girls, strengthening sexual and reproductive health education, and improving access to quality education and leadership opportunities.

Country-specific priorities were also highlighted. Côte d’Ivoire focused on promoting girls’ participation in STEM and leadership clubs, Sierra Leone emphasized expanding access to schools, Senegal prioritized menstrual hygiene and sanitation, and Guinea focused on strengthening protection systems and advocacy against early marriage. The session highlighted the persistent gap between policy commitments and real-life implementation.

7. Breakout Session 6: Sustainable Social Change

This session focused on community-driven and sustainable approaches to social change. Participants defined sustainability as the ability of initiatives to continue over time without external dependence and emphasized that communities must take ownership of development processes.

They identified key challenges such as harmful cultural practices, weak youth participation, limited access to services, and lack of safe spaces. To address these, participants proposed strategies including community engagement, awareness creation, capacity building, and long-term planning that ensures sustainability beyond project cycles. The importance of involving adolescents in all stages of change was strongly emphasized.

5. Day Two Proceedings1. Opening and Reflection Session

Day Two began with affirmations and safeguarding updates, setting a safe and inclusive tone for the day. Participants reflected on lessons from Day One, highlighting leadership, collaboration, and cross-country learning experiences. A recap video reinforced key themes and encouraged deeper engagement.

2. Plenary Session: Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH)

A plenary presentation by UNICEF Nigeria addressed major challenges affecting adolescent sexual and reproductive health. The session highlighted issues such as gender-based violence, teenage pregnancy, female genital cutting, drug abuse, and limited access to SRH services and information.

Participants were also presented with recommendations including strengthening youth-friendly health services, integrating comprehensive sexuality education into schools, improving access to healthcare services, and investing in girls’ education as a pathway to empowerment.

3. Debate Sessions

Participants engaged in structured bilingual debates in English and French on topics related to comprehensive sexuality education and adolescent SRH services. The debates demonstrated strong analytical thinking, advocacy skills, and the ability of adolescents to engage in policy-relevant discussions.

4. Breakout Session: SRH Access

This session explored gaps in adolescent sexual and reproductive health knowledge and services. Participants noted that many young people lack accurate information due to cultural taboos and limited education.

They emphasized the importance of shared responsibility among parents, communities, schools, and governments in improving access to SRH education and services. Recommendations included integrating SRH into school curricula, strengthening community engagement, and expanding youth-friendly health services.

5. Breakout Session: Female Genital Cutting (FGC)

Participants discussed the harmful effects of female genital cutting, including its cultural justification, health consequences, and weak enforcement of laws. The session highlighted the need for community sensitization, legal enforcement, and engagement of traditional and religious leaders to support behaviour change and eliminate the practice.

6. Breakout Session: Child, Early and Forced Marriage

This session defined child, early, and forced marriage and explored its causes, including poverty, gender inequality, cultural norms, and lack of education. Participants also examined its consequences, such as school dropout, early pregnancy, and loss of opportunity.

They recommended stronger legal enforcement, increased education for girls, community advocacy, and youth-led awareness campaigns as key solutions to addressing the issue.

7. Menstrual Health and Hygiene Session

This session focused on menstruation as a natural biological process and addressed myths and misconceptions surrounding it. Participants learned about safe hygiene practices and engaged in interactive activities that promoted open discussion and understanding.

Key recommendations included improving access to sanitary products, strengthening WASH infrastructure, and integrating menstrual health education into schools and communities to reduce stigma.

8. Breakout Session: School Violence

This session explored different forms of school violence, including physical, sexual, emotional, verbal, and digital violence. Participants shared experiences and identified violence as occurring in schools, homes, and surrounding environments.

They proposed solutions such as establishing safe reporting systems, creating student-led clubs, improving teacher accountability, and promoting awareness campaigns to create safer learning environments.

9. Breakout Session: HIV, AIDS & STIs

Participants discussed common misconceptions about HIV and AIDS, including stigma, discrimination, and misinformation about transmission. The session clarified the difference between HIV and AIDS and emphasized the importance of treatment and care.

Participants recommended increasing education, expanding testing and counseling services, promoting awareness campaigns, and reducing stigma through community engagement and accurate information dissemination.

6. Day Three Proceedings1. Opening and Reflection

Day Three began with moderation, safeguarding reminders, and participant reflections on previous sessions. Adolescents shared key Learnings from Day Two, reinforcing the importance of inclusion, equity, and youth leadership.

2. Affirmation and Inclusion Activities

Participants engaged in empowerment affirmations that reinforced confidence, identity, and leadership. They were also introduced to basic sign language expressions, promoting inclusivity and accessibility for all participants.

3. Awareness Session: Autism

A session facilitated by the Global Fund for Children focused on autism awareness, highlighting the importance of understanding, acceptance, and inclusion of individuals with developmental differences in society.

4. Creative Expression

Participants used poetry and spoken word performances to express messages on gender equality, social justice, and youth empowerment. These performances amplified adolescent voices and encouraged advocacy through creative expression.

5. Innovation Showcase

The Achievers Team from Ghana presented creative innovations, including drama performances illustrating cultural barriers affecting girls, youth-friendly educational applications, and robotics projects. The session demonstrated the critical role of girls in science, technology, and innovation.

6. Ministerial Engagement

The Minister of Women, Family, and Children Affairs of Côte d’Ivoire addressed participants, emphasizing the importance of youth participation in decision-making processes and condemning harmful practices such as child marriage. She encouraged girls to remain in school, speak up, and become active leaders in their communities.

She also called for stronger collaboration across countries and stakeholders and reaffirmed government commitment to supporting adolescent development and protection. Her message inspired participants to take action at personal, community, and institutional levels.

7. Plenary: Gender Equality and Equity

Participants engaged in discussions and role plays focused on progress in gender equality, ongoing challenges, and strategies for accelerating change. The session reinforced the importance of active youth participation in promoting equity.

8. Slam Session

A spoken word session allowed participants to share lived experiences and advocacy messages through artistic expression. This platform amplified youth voices and strengthened emotional engagement with key summit themes.

9. Plenary: “Tech Needs Girls”

This session focused on breaking stereotypes in technology and encouraging girls to pursue STEM careers. Participants explored the importance of digital inclusion and highlighted examples of youth-led technological innovations led by the Achievers Ghana Team.

10. Cultural City Tour – Yamoussoukro

Participants engaged in a guided tour of Yamoussoukro, visiting key landmarks including the presidential area, the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, and a crocodile lake.

At the Basilica, participants learned about its architectural significance, symbolism, and history, while also exploring its artistic and structural features. The visit provided a reflective and educational experience. The tour also included cultural exposure, environmental learning, and opportunities for networking among participants.

7. Key Highlights of the Action Plan

The Action Plan outlines a youth-led road-map to promote equality, inclusion, and the rights of adolescents across communities. The core action areas include:

1. Advocacy and Awareness Creation: Adolescents and youth commit to raising awareness through peer education, campaigns, and community outreach to promote gender justice and protect the rights and well-being of girls.

1. Challenging Harmful Social Norms: Young people will actively confront discrimination, gender-based violence, and harmful cultural practices while promoting positive and inclusive behaviors.

1. Creation of Safe Spaces: The plan emphasizes establishing safe and inclusive environments where adolescents can express themselves freely and access mental, physical, and emotional support.

1. Youth Leadership and Participation: Strengthening youth leadership by ensuring meaningful participation in decision-making processes and policy engagement at local, national, and international levels.

1. Use of Digital Platforms and Creativity: Leveraging arts, media, and digital tools to amplify youth voices, share experiences, and mobilize collective action.

1. Promoting Inclusion and Equity: Ensuring marginalized groups, especially girls, have equal access to opportunities, services, and leadership roles.

1. Collaboration and Partnerships: Working with governments, civil society, communities, and institutions to co-create solutions and influence policies that advance gender justice.

1. Accountability and Systems Strengthening: Advocating for the effective implementation of laws and policies that protect adolescent and youth rights, while holding institutions accountable.

1. Pan-African Movement Building: Strengthening networks across countries to build solidarity and collective action for sustained impact.

8. Return Journey (4th April 2026)

The Ghanaian delegation departed Yamoussoukro at 5:00 AM on 4th April 2026 and arrived in Accra at approximately 11:00 PM. Upon arrival, the team rested at Achievers Ghana. The following day, after breakfast, all delegates departed to their respective destinations.

8. Lessons Learned

1. Youth-Centered Leadership: Adolescents are not just future leaders but active leaders and change agents today. When given the right support, platforms, and trust, young people can design and lead solutions to challenges affecting their communities.
2. Importance of Inclusion: Disability inclusion and accessibility ensure that all young people, including those with disabilities, can participate equally in education, leadership, and decision-making processes without barriers or discrimination.
3. Need for SRH Education: Comprehensive Sexual and Reproductive Health education is essential to address harmful taboos, myths, and misinformation, helping adolescents make informed and safe decisions about their health and wellbeing.
4. Community Engagement: Sustainable change is only possible when communities are actively involved and take ownership of interventions, ensuring that solutions are relevant, accepted, and long-lasting.
5. Cross-Country Collaboration: Working together across countries allows sharing of experiences, ideas, and best practices, which strengthens collective impact and helps address common challenges more effectively.
6. Role of Innovation: Technology and innovation provide powerful tools for empowerment by increasing access to information, creating opportunities for learning, and enabling young people to advocate and solve problems in new and creative ways.

9. Way Forward

1. STEM at the Learning Hub
SCEF will introduce simple, practical STEM activities such as basic computer skills, digital literacy, problem-solving games, and small electronics projects at the hub. Girls and boys will also be encouraged to use digital tools for storytelling and SRH awareness.

2. Fawohodie for Girls and Boys (Schools)
We will support schools to make SRHR sessions and clubs more active, and also involve boys in the discussions. This will help both girls and boys get the right information and have safe spaces to learn and talk about important issues.

1. Sisters Project
   Through monthly workshops, we will learn about SRHR, leadership, and personal development in a safe space. This will help us build confidence, make better life choices, and grow into strong and independent young women.
2. Girls Club
   We will make Girls Clubs more active by letting girls lead sessions, share ideas, and come up with initiatives for advocacy. This will help us become more confident, speak up, and support each other as girls.

5. Children’s Parliament

The Children’s Parliament will be strengthened as a platform for advocacy, debate, and engagement with duty bearers. Children will be trained to raise issues such as education quality, school violence, and SRHR access.

10. Conclusion

The Adolescent Girls Summit 2026 concluded with participants expressing strong motivation to apply their learning in their communities. Across all three days, the summit strengthened adolescent leadership, promoted gender equality, improved understanding of critical issues affecting girls, and reinforced the importance of youth-led action for sustainable social change.

Gallery

All gallery pictures can be accessed [HERE ]