A snapshot of the wall mural created by FHL Group Africa with the collaborative efforts of students.
Over 175 girls actively participated in a series of engaging discussions, sharing personal experiences, and pledging to take up leadership roles in a transformative initiative funded by Plan International Ghana (She Leads Accelerator Fund), the Faith, Hope and Love (FHL) a social enterprise focused on advancing quality healthcare including capacity building for young people in underserved communities using innovative and right-based approaches. Group Africa, spearheaded the Female Empowerment through Art Project (FEAP) in Teshie, a coastal town in southeastern Ghana.The project, led by Ms Patience Entsie, FHL Community and Project Lead, which took place in July this year, aimed at nurturing young female leaders and advocates of gender equality through innovative art and leadership training sessions.
In a bold move to champion female leadership, the FEAP Project has harnessed the transformative force of art. With a focus on breaking down barriers hindering young girls from assuming leadership roles, the project conducted empowering training sessions for 150 high school girls at Teshie Presbyterian High School. Central to this initiative was a vibrant wall-art mural, speaking volumes about the project’s mission. Adorning the school walls, the artwork is set to reach the hearts of over 5,000 individuals, initiating essential conversations about female leadership and youth empowerment. Through compelling visuals, the project challenged harmful cultural norms, sowing seeds of change within the community. The impact extended beyond the surface. The FEAP Project directly empowered these young girls, providing education on personal development, leadership skills, and reproductive health.
The project’s first phase, launched on June 2023, set the stage for a transformative experience. Guided by Ms. Akosua Osei from FHL Group Africa, the girls embarked on an engaging time of female leadership. The room buzzed with energy as an icebreaker session invited the girls to share the names of their female role models and the reasons behind their choices. This simple yet profound activity not only broke the ice but also ignited passionate discussions on the essence of female leadership. Following this, Ms. Da Rocha addressed topics such as reproductive health, and the importance of assertiveness. She emphasized the need for assertiveness and conscientious menstrual hygiene practices. Meanwhile, Ms. Wesoamo inspired the girls with insights on building leadership skills and mastering the art of public speaking. The objective was clear: to educate the participants on vital subjects like menstrual health, hygiene, and the significance of consent. A pre-test survey provided valuable insights into the students’ perceptions of female leadership, steering the project’s course with precision and purpose.
The team with a section of the students after the training
Abushar Abubakr, a form 2 student, shared her transformative experience, stating, “The training by Ms. Wesoamo has been incredibly helpful. Initially, I struggled to speak publicly, but through the training and practice sessions, I have gained confidence. It’s a continuous process, and I am certain I will continue to improve and thrive.”
On July 7, 2023, the second phase commenced with a brainstorming session, leading to the creation of a powerful mural and a practical public speaking session. Depicting a determined female student breaking through symbolic barriers, the mural symbolized the girls’ aspirations for leadership. The painting session, supported by enthusiastic students and teachers, continued into the night, resulting in a captivating mural and the innovative ‘Talking Compound’, an initiative supported by the headmistress, Mrs. Alice Prempeh-Fordjour. The ‘Talking Compound’ used old car tires adorned with inspirational quotes on leadership as inspiration and also championed climate action through the reuse, recycle approach. The quotes featured are: “Strive Hard; Don’t Quit, Do It; No Guts, No Glory; Don’t Wish For It, Work For It.”
A display of some quotes designed on old tyres for the ‘Talking Compound Initiative
The FEAP Project, funded by the She Leads Accelerator Fund, not only transformed the lives of young girls in Teshie but also inspired a community. It also motivated teachers, parents, and community members, believing it would serve as a beacon of motivation in their lives. Through art and education, barriers were broken, and dreams were ignited, paving the way for a future generation of strong, empowered female leaders. The students’ responses confirmed this sentiment. Millicent, a Form 2 student, expressed her gratitude, noting that the program served as a reminder that as a young woman, she can achieve her dreams. It emphasized the importance of being bold, confident, forward-thinking, and hardworking.
