Creating safer communities for girls begins with collective action. Across faith traditions, community leaders have a unique opportunity to influence attitudes, challenge harmful social norms, and inspire positive change. It is through this shared commitment that Faith to Action Network (F2AN), together with Muslim Family Counselling Services (MFCS), the Christian Council of Ghana (CCG), Songtaba, and Tiyumba Hope Foundation (THF), convened a four-day capacity-building initiative as part of the Faith Movement for Justice Project in Kumasi, Ghana,
Bringing together faith leaders, traditional authorities, youth representatives, and community champions from across Ghana, the workshops created space for meaningful dialogue on protecting girls, promoting positive masculinity, and strengthening faith-led responses to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). More importantly, they reinforced the vital role faith communities play in advancing dignity, justice, and the wellbeing of women and girls.
The learning journey began with the Protecting Our Daughters workshop, where participants explored the realities facing girls in their communities, including child marriage, barriers to education, and gender-based violence. Through facilitated discussions, case studies, and group reflection, participants examined practical ways faith leaders and communities can work together to create safer environments where every girl can learn, thrive, and realize her full potential.
Building on these conversations, selected participants continued into The Sacred Duties of Men, a workshop designed to strengthen positive masculinity and equip male champions with the knowledge and facilitation skills needed to lead the Men Talk Truth programme within their communities. Discussions challenged participants to reimagine leadership as an expression of responsibility, compassion, accountability, and service, while encouraging men and boys to become active allies in preventing violence and promoting gender justice.
A highlight of the workshops was the rich exchange between Christian and Muslim faith leaders, traditional authorities, and young people, demonstrating that despite diverse perspectives, there is a shared commitment to protecting girls and strengthening families. The discussions underscored how faith can be a powerful force for promoting justice, dignity, compassion, and the protection of the most vulnerable.
Together, we are strengthening our collective capacity to ensure every girl grows up safe, protected, and empowered
Throughout the four-day programme, participants moved beyond learning to action. They strengthened their understanding of child protection, girls’ education, positive masculinity, and violence prevention while developing practical skills to facilitate community dialogue, challenge harmful social norms, and foster respectful relationships.
The workshops concluded with a shared commitment to take these conversations back to homes, places of worship, and communities across Ghana. Participants pledged to champion the protection of girls, mentor boys and young men, promote respectful relationships, and work collaboratively across faiths to advance safer, more inclusive communities.
For Faith to Action Network and its partners, this initiative reflects a broader commitment to strengthening faith actors as catalysts for social transformation. By equipping faith leaders with practical knowledge, fostering interfaith collaboration, and supporting community-led action, the network continues to build a movement where every girl is protected, every family is strengthened, and every community can flourish.
Because lasting change does not happen in workshops alone it happens when faith leaders return to their communities ready to inspire action, challenge injustice, and walk alongside others in building a more just and compassionate society.
