Yendi: A stakeholders forum has been held at Yendi as part of this year's International Youth Day celebrations. It is to enable the youth to network and discuss strategies for increasing the participation of youth and women in decision-making processes. The forum, under the Heard Everywhere and Represented Daily (HEARD) project, was on the theme: 'Strengthening Collaboration for the Amplification of Voices and Representation of Youth and Women in Governance Processes and Decision-Making Spaces in Northern Ghana'. It was organised by Songtaba in partnership with Norsaac, and brought together representatives from civil society organisations (CSOs), community-based organisations, minority ethnic groups and key stakeholders in governance in the area. Mr Alhassan Abdul Jalil, Yendi Municipal Director, National Youth Authority, in a keynote address, called for collaboration to amplify the voices of youth and women in governance. He said this was necessary to breaking the cycle of underrepresentation of the you th in key decision-making spaces. He highlighted the need for parental guidance and the sensitisation of youth on patriotism and civic responsibilities. The event also featured a panel discussion where the panelists shared their insights on gender equality, the empowerment of women, and the inclusion of youth in leadership. Madam Fuseina Osman, Gender Desk Officer, Yendi Municipal Assembly, called for training programmes and awareness campaigns to promote gender inclusion. Madam Joan Quacoo, Yendi Municipal Director of Health, emphasised the importance of male involvement in supporting women's empowerment. A unique speed networking session was observed to allow participants to engage directly with the panelists fostering one-on-one interactions that facilitated the exchange of ideas and the building of valuable networks. Mr Mohammed Akalifa, Yendi Municipal Coordinating Director, in a commitment statement, pledged continued support for the HEARD project and its related initiatives aimed at enhancing the representation of women and youth in governance. Traditional and religious leaders also pledged their commitment to supporting the project, emphasising the importance of women's roles in the community and the need for their inclusion in leadership. Nyeba Kuga Naa, a Chief at Yendi, and Chairman at the forum, whose remarks were made by his palace Secretary, highlighted the community's appreciation for the efforts of Songtaba and its partners, and expressed strong support for the HEARD project. Source: Ghana News Agency