Tamale: A stakeholders' conference aimed at equipping young girls with essential information to stay in school and complete their education has been held in Tamale. The event, titled 'Annual Girls Clubs Conference', focused on encouraging girls to aspire for leadership roles within their schools and communities, while fostering mutual support to develop their potential. According to Ghana News Agency, the conference was organized by the Northern Regional Programmes Office of ActionAid Ghana. This initiative is part of a broader effort to empower girls involved in various clubs established across schools in the Northern Region. Held under the theme 'Promoting Girl Child Education and Leadership: The Role of the Girl Child', the conference featured experienced women mentors, including health professionals, who educated participants on reproductive health rights, leadership, and the importance of prioritizing education to become responsible citizens. The conference attendees included representatives from sever al schools' girls clubs, such as Choggu Demonstration A and B Junior High School (JHS), Bishops' JHS, Tiyumba JHS, Kasalgu AME Zion JHS, and Choggu Nurul Islamic JHS. Mrs. Beatrice Yanman Biije, a Programmes Officer at ActionAid Ghana, emphasized the importance of providing young girls with appropriate guidance and mentorship to make informed choices about their education, reproductive health, and leadership. Mrs. Biije highlighted the ongoing engagement by ActionAid Ghana, with support from school patrons, to address issues of violence against girls. The conference served as a platform to reflect on and review challenges identified in schools, allowing mentors to offer necessary guidance and counseling. She expressed concerns over the rising rates of teenage pregnancy and misuse of contraceptive pills among girls in the region. Madam Linda Amoah, Northern Regional Education Officer in-charge of Girls Education, noted that advocacy for girls and women empowerment has led to significant reforms by national a nd international organizations. She encouraged girls and women to recognize their potential and strive for inclusion in leadership positions. Madam Amoah urged the conference participants to set achievable goals and remain committed to excellence, becoming role models for other young girls. Madam Bushira Alhassan, Northern Regional Director of the Department of Gender, addressed the implications of child marriage and teenage pregnancy on girls' education. She advised girls to avoid premarital and unprotected sex, focusing instead on acquiring knowledge and skills. Additionally, she warned against negative peer influence to prevent teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Miss Bernice Busagri, a student at Tiyumba JHS, expressed her gratitude for the impact of the girls clubs in her school, which have increased her confidence and assertiveness, particularly regarding reproductive health and rights. She thanked ActionAid Ghana for the initiative, noting that such interventions are crucial in com bating gender-based violence, teenage pregnancy, and promoting the inclusion of girls and women in leadership positions in the country.