WODA, AWDF Join Forces to Combat Sexual Exploitation in Jamestown and Chorkor

Sexual exploitation in some deprived areas across the country continues to rise due to high unemployment rates. Among such communities are Jamestown and Chorkor, both in Accra.

In response to the situation, Women of Dignity Alliance (WoDA), a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) focused on supporting vulnerable girls and women in slums and deprived areas, has organized a sensitization workshop in Accra as part of their “KASA” project, aimed at bringing participants and stakeholders together to address the issue.

Explaining the KASA project, Ms. Josephina Quaynor, Project Officer of WoDA, said that KASA is a two-year project funded by the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF). The project seeks to mobilize young women in slum and deprived areas and educate them on the dangers and implications of sexual exploitation.

Ms. Quaynor emphasized that the project is currently being implemented in two communities in Accra—Jamestown and Chorkor—due to the high levels of sexual exploitation, which have left many young women vulnerable.

She added that the project began a year ago with 30 young women from these two communities voluntarily joining.

These participants were taken through various behavioral change workshops and awareness programs on how to identify and resist sexual exploitation. While a few participants have left, Ms. Quaynor expressed hope that the remaining 22 would continue to actively engage in the project.

Ms. Quaynor noted that the project’s title, “KASA,” holds significance as it aims to equip girls with the knowledge of sexual exploitation and how to resist it.

She further explained that the dignity of every young woman lies in her self-confidence, and WoDA is committed to helping young women in these communities achieve this through the project.

Despite the progress made in sensitization, advocacy, and awareness creation, Ms. Quaynor acknowledged that much more remains to be achieved.

She added that starting in November this year, WoDA will enroll participants in various apprenticeship programs, such as hairdressing, nail fixing, and seamstressing, among others, to further support their development.

Ms. Quaynor expressed her gratitude for the quick response to the project from participants, parents, and community leaders. She also thanked the AWDF for their immense support and called on other stakeholders to join the effort.

The Assembly Member for the Chorkor Electoral Area, Mr. Theophilus Isaac Quaye, expressed concern over parents’ inability to care for their daughters, which has contributed to the rise in sexual exploitation. He attributed this challenge to high unemployment rates in the area.

However, he urged the girls to take full advantage of the KASA project to broaden their opportunities and secure a better future.