Hope for Children, Power for the Youth Ghana (HOCPY Ghana) has embarked on a baseline survey aimed at uncovering cultural norms and practices that infringe on women’s rights and hinder their participation in leadership across communities in the Savannah Region.
As part of this initiative, the HOCPY team visited the community of Zogu in the Central Gonja District, where they engaged local women in open discussions about their experiences, challenges, and aspirations.
The findings from these interactions were both eye-opening and deeply concerning. Despite the progress of modern society, many women in Zogu continue to face traditional barriers that limit their social and economic independence.
One of the most striking revelations from the community was that some women are not allowed to make decisions about how to spend their own hard-earned income without their husbands’ permission, a reflection of deeply rooted gender inequality that still shapes many aspects of daily life.
“This is not just a gender issue; it’s a justice issue,” the gender desk officer, Nana Ama emphasized. “When women are denied autonomy and voice, communities lose half of their potential for growth, innovation, and leadership” she noted.
The baseline survey forms part of HOCPY Ghana’s broader effort to promote gender equality, empower women, and strengthen community participation. The insights gathered will help guide advocacy, policy engagement, and community sensitization programs that challenge discriminatory norms while promoting inclusion and shared leadership.
HOCPY Ghana reaffirmed its commitment to amplifying women’s voices and creating safe spaces where they can lead change within their communities.
“We are committed to listening, learning, and acting with the communities we serve,” Nana Ama indicated. “True empowerment begins when the voices of women are heard, respected, and valued.”
The organization encouraged the public to stay engaged as more stories, insights, and actions from the ongoing survey will be shared in the coming days.