The Executive Director of the Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED), Hajia Fairuza Abdul-Rashid Safian, has emphasized the importance of prioritizing girl-child education to unlock their full potential and contribute to national development. Speaking at the launch of the 2026 CAMFED Convening at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, Hajia Safian highlighted the far-reaching benefits of educating the girl-child, including delayed marriage, improved child health outcomes, and greater economic empowerment.
CAMFED has made significant strides in promoting girls' education and strengthening the leadership and resilience of young women. The organization is working relentlessly to reduce poverty and eliminate inequalities through girls' education and youth empowerment. This year's Convening, held under the theme "Learn, Thrive, and Lead," aims to empower 791 young women from 44 districts across Ghana to create pathways for educational access, skills training, and mentorship, particularly for girls in rural communities.
The 791 young women attending the event from various tertiary institutions were carefully selected through community processes across 12 regions. CAMFED's support package covers tuition, accommodation, stipends, and other academically related expenses, ensuring participants can pursue their education without financial strain. Hajia Safian observed that when young women are afforded quality opportunities for education, they can develop their capacities, build confidence, and emerge as responsible leaders.
Despite the progress made, Hajia Safian expressed concern about the challenges facing girls, such as early marriage, limited family support, and restrictive societal expectations. To address these issues, CAMFED engages parents and families to help them understand the program and its benefits. The organization is committed to advancing girls' education and equipping young women to become responsible, productive citizens.
CAMFED's broader mandate seeks to tackle poverty, inequality, and injustice by supporting girls from childhood through to adulthood. The organization's goal is to encourage young girls to develop their full potential and become active contributors to national development. By investing in girls' education, CAMFED aims to create a more equitable and prosperous society.
Other speakers at the event, including Ms Charity Maame Ekua Adupong, CEO of Meannan Foods, urged participants to persist in pursuing their future goals and called on the government to increase investment in logistics for small and medium-scale enterprises. Beneficiary young women expressed deep gratitude to CAMFED for alleviating the financial burden of their education and appealed to the organization to continue expanding its support.
The 2026 CAMFED Convening is expected to have a lasting impact on the lives of the 791 young women attending the event. By providing them with the necessary support and resources, CAMFED is empowering them to become leaders and change-makers in their communities. As Hajia Safian reiterated, prioritizing girl-child education is crucial for unlocking their potential and contributing to national development.
Key points
- CAMFED Director emphasizes need to prioritize girl-child education for national development
- 791 young women from 44 districts across Ghana to benefit from CAMFED's support package
- CAMFED's broader mandate seeks to tackle poverty, inequality, and injustice through girls' education and youth empowerment
