Dambai: GNA-Mrs Esther Hammond, the Acting Oti Regional Director of the Department of Gender has reiterated that teenage girls continue to suffer inequalities from society exposing them to many vulnerabilities. She said pregnancy, sexual and gender-based violence and child marriage were irreparably harming these adolescent girls. Mrs Hammond said these at a two-day programme aimed to empower and educate girls aged 10-19 on critical issues affecting their well-being and future. It was organised by the Department of Gender under the auspices of the Oti Regional Coordinating Council (ORCC), with funding support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The two-day Adolescent Mentorship and Empowerment Sensitization camp at Dambai was for 40 adolescent girls from selected districts and Municipalities. The schools include Nkwanta South Municipal, Nkwanta North District, and Krachie East Municipal in the Oti Region. The Department of Gender emphasized the importance of empowering girls for Ghana's deve lopment, and progress. She explained that empowering girls had numerous benefits which included improving education outcomes, enhancing economic opportunities, better health, and well-being, reducing child marriage and teenage pregnancy. Mrs Hammond urged stakeholders to increase awareness and education, and institutions must strengthen support system for victims of SGBV by enhancing community engagement to prevent child marriage. Mr Daniel Machator, the Oti Regional Minister, in a speech delivered on his behalf, advised teenage girls to abstain from activities that could lead to teenage pregnancies. Mr Machator encouraged community members to play a vital role in promoting reproductive health awareness and supporting adolescent girls. The Minister's speech aligns with the region's efforts to address teenage pregnancy and aims to inspire positive change and empower adolescent girls in the Oti Region. The ORCC has been actively involved in various initiatives, including training workshops for directors a nd planning officers. The council's efforts demonstrate its commitment to promoting sustainable development and equitable resource distribution. Source: Ghana News Agency