The International Child Development Programme (ICDP) Ghana, the Zonta Club of Accra Metropolitan and Nyɛ Awo Naa Ayele Nɔbaatsɛ, Queen for Youth and Children of the Ga State, have partnered to mark International Women’s Day, which is also commemorated as Zonta Rose Day, with a community health outreach and empowerment programme in Jamestown.
Held on March 12 under the theme “Give to Gain – Sharing Knowledge, Skills and Well-being Nuggets to Create Lasting Change in Women, Men and Children,” the initiative brought together about 250 community members, health professionals and advocates to promote gender equality, improved healthcare access and stronger support systems for women and children.
International Women’s Day, celebrated globally on March 8, provides a platform, particularly for Zonta, to recognise the achievements of women while calling for stronger action to address the persistent inequalities affecting women and girls.
The collaboration among the three institutions reflects a shared commitment to advancing women’s rights, strengthening families and supporting vulnerable communities.
Focus on Maternal and Community Health
Country Director of ICDP Ghana, Joyce Larnyo, said the outreach aligns with the organisation’s commitment to improving child development, parenting support and maternal health.
“As part of our celebration of International Women’s Day, we are here to celebrate with the community and address issues around gender equality, parenting and child development,” she said.
She explained that the programme also included specialised health screenings using mobile diagnostic technology capable of detecting multiple health conditions.
“We run a mobile ultrasound service and provide participants with reports to share with their medical facilities,” she said.
The screening also targeted both men and women for conditions such as prostate problems, breast abnormalities and other health concerns that often go undetected in communities.
According to her, early diagnosis and awareness are critical in preventing complications and improving health outcomes.
Parental Roles and the Law
The President of the Zonta Club of Accra Metropolitan, Mrs Dorothy Tackie, a retired aviation professional, engaged community members—most of whom were mothers—in discussions highlighting their crucial roles in educating their children.
She encouraged them to invest time and resources in their children’s education, guide their learning, and support their growth physically, socially and intellectually. She noted that this approach could help prevent teenage pregnancy and urged parents to take advantage of the re-entry policy to enable girls to continue their education after childbirth.
“It is important to take the care of children seriously in these communities. Make it your priority because you want to leave a legacy with a solid foundation,” she said.
On her part, the President of Zonta Club Accra II, Justice Mrs Merley Wood, a retired Justice of the Court of Appeal, educated community members on their responsibilities toward their children.
She spoke about their fundamental duties, including protecting children from harm, neglect and abuse, and responded to several questions the women asked regarding child protection and abuse.
Disability and Inclusion
Speaking on disability issues, Ms Rita Ayi-Bonte, a Disability Justice Advocate with VOWAC Ghana, called on community members to desist from hiding children with disabilities.
She explained that children with disabilities can be educated and supported to develop skills that enable them to function effectively in society and remain independent.
She further urged community members to take advantage of the support provided by government through district and municipal assemblies.
Health Outreach
The programme featured free medical screening, health education and community engagement activities aimed at empowering residents to take charge of their health.
Speaking to the media, Nyɛ Awo Naa Ayele Nɔbaatsɛ, Queen for Youth and Children of the Ga State, said the outreach was organised to respond to pressing needs within the community.
“We looked around to see what the people in my area need — medical support, financial assistance and encouragement,” she said.
She explained that many residents lack access to regular healthcare or do not take advantage of services such as the National Health Insurance Scheme.
“When we bring such programmes to these communities, it helps them a lot. They are being evaluated by doctors and nurses for practically no fees. We are giving them free medicine and free health talks,” she added.
Rising Cases of Hypertension Detected
Health professionals supporting the exercise observed worrying trends in hypertension and diabetes among residents.
Clinical Care Coordinator at Ussher Hospital, Dr Linda Owusu-Asante, said medical teams conducted checks on blood pressure, blood sugar levels and pulse rates to identify potential health risks.
“So far we have seen about 15 to 20 people, and hypertension is on the rise in this particular vicinity,” she noted.
She attributed the trend partly to irregular health check-ups and poor follow-up among patients who had previously received treatment.
Dr Owusu-Asante advised residents to adhere to regular medical reviews and continue prescribed medication to prevent serious health complications.
She also commended the management of Ussher Hospital, ICDP Ghana and the Zonta Club of Accra Metropolitan for supporting the initiative.
Commitment to Gender Equality
Beyond the health screening, organisers emphasised the importance of collective action in advancing gender equality and community wellbeing.
The partnership aligns with global development priorities, particularly the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 5 — achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls.
The organisations hope the initiative will help create lasting social change and empower women and families to thrive.
