Introduction

The 2025 edition of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence concluded with a powerful call for safer digital spaces, as students from six senior high schools in Ghana showcased their advocacy skills at the grand finale of Speak Up 1.0. Held on December 10, 2025, at the University of Ghana Business School, the event emphasized the urgent need for digital safety, online accountability, and youth empowerment in combating gender-based violence (GBV).

Under the theme “Real Voices for Digital Safety”, the initiative brought together students who participated in the Speech Club and Career Development Initiative, a program designed to foster confidence, critical thinking, and responsible digital citizenship among young learners.

Key Points

Background

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that runs from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10 (Human Rights Day). The campaign aims to raise awareness, challenge discriminatory attitudes, and promote gender equality through collective action.

In Ghana, the 2025 campaign focused on digital safety and the role of youth in advocating for inclusive, respectful online environments. The integration of Speak Up 1.0 into the campaign highlights the growing recognition of digital spaces as critical areas for GBV prevention.

Speak Up 1.0: Empowering Youth Through Debate and Public Speaking

Speak Up 1.0 is an initiative piloted in selected senior high schools in Ghana, designed to equip students with essential skills in public speaking, critical thinking, and digital literacy. The program is a collaboration between:

• Ghana Education Service (GES): Oversees the implementation of educational policies and programs.
• Transforming Teaching, Education, and Learning (T-TEL): Aims to improve teaching standards and student outcomes.
• Speech Forces: A non-profit organization focused on youth development through debate and oratory skills.

The initiative aligns with Ghana’s broader educational goals of creating safe, inclusive learning environments where students can thrive academically and socially.

Analysis

The Role of Digital Safety in Combating Gender-Based Violence

Gender-based violence is not confined to physical spaces; it increasingly manifests in digital environments through cyberbullying, online harassment, and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images. The 2025 Speak Up 1.0 event highlighted several critical issues:

• Online Abuse and Accountability: Students debated the responsibility of individuals and platforms in preventing and addressing online abuse, particularly against women and girls.
• Digital Literacy: The ability to navigate online spaces safely is a crucial skill for young people, who are often the most vulnerable to digital threats.
• Youth Advocacy: The event demonstrated that students are not merely passive recipients of information but active agents of change capable of leading conversations on digital safety.

Impact of Speak Up 1.0 on Student Development

The initiative had a measurable impact on participating students, fostering:

• Confidence and Public Speaking Skills: Students who participated in debates and public speaking competitions reported increased self-assurance and improved communication abilities.
• Critical Thinking: The debate format encouraged students to analyze complex issues, weigh evidence, and construct persuasive arguments.
• Teamwork and Collaboration: Working in teams to prepare for competitions helped students develop interpersonal skills and a sense of collective responsibility.
• Global Citizenship: By engaging with topics like digital safety and GBV, students gained a broader understanding of their roles in promoting social justice.

Practical Advice

How Schools Can Promote Digital Safety

Educational institutions play a pivotal role in fostering digital safety. Here are actionable steps schools can take:

1. Integrate Digital Literacy into Curricula: Incorporate lessons on online safety, cyberbullying prevention, and responsible social media use into existing subjects.
2. Establish Speech and Debate Clubs: Programs like Speak Up 1.0 provide students with platforms to develop advocacy skills and discuss pressing social issues.
3. Create Safe Reporting Mechanisms: Ensure students have access to confidential channels for reporting online abuse or harassment.
4. Partner with Organizations: Collaborate with NGOs, government agencies, and tech companies to provide resources and training on digital safety.
5. Engage Parents and Guardians: Host workshops to educate families on recognizing and addressing digital threats faced by young people.

Tips for Students to Stay Safe Online

Students can take proactive steps to protect themselves and their peers in digital spaces:

• Think Before You Share: Avoid posting personal information, such as addresses or phone numbers, publicly.
• Use Privacy Settings: Regularly review and update privacy settings on social media platforms to control who can view your content.
• Report and Block: If you encounter harassment or abusive behavior online, use platform tools to report and block the offender.
• Be an Upstander: Support peers who experience online abuse by reporting incidents and offering encouragement.
• Educate Yourself: Stay informed about digital safety best practices and share this knowledge with friends and family.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence?

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign that runs annually from November 25 to December 10. It aims to raise awareness about GBV, challenge harmful norms, and advocate for gender equality through coordinated actions worldwide.

What was the theme of Speak Up 1.0 in 2025?

The theme for the 2025 edition was “Real Voices for Digital Safety”, emphasizing the importance of youth advocacy in creating safer online environments.

Which schools participated in Speak Up 1.0?

The following senior high schools in Ghana participated in the event:

• Accra Wesley Girls High School
• Ashaiman Senior High School
• Christian Methodist Senior High School
• Ngleshie Amanfro Senior High School
• O’Reilly Senior High School
• Amasaman Senior High Technical School

Who were the winners of Speak Up 1.0?

Ashaiman SHS won the debate competition, while Accra Wesley Girls SHS excelled in the prepared speech category, and Ngleshie Amanfro SHS took the top prize in impromptu speaking.

How can students get involved in similar initiatives?

Students interested in participating in future programs can:

• Join or establish speech and debate clubs in their schools.
• Engage with organizations like Speech Forces and T-TEL for training and competition opportunities.
• Advocate for the inclusion of digital literacy and GBV prevention in school curricula.

Conclusion

The Speak Up 1.0 initiative marked a significant milestone in Ghana’s efforts to combat gender-based violence and promote digital safety. By empowering students with the skills to advocate for safer online spaces, the program demonstrated the transformative potential of youth-led activism and education-based interventions.

The success of the 2025 edition underscores the importance of collaboration between educational institutions, NGOs, and government agencies in addressing complex social issues. As digital spaces continue to evolve, initiatives like Speak Up 1.0 will play a crucial role in equipping young people with the tools they need to navigate these environments safely and responsibly.

Looking ahead, stakeholders are committed to expanding the program, ensuring that more students across Ghana can benefit from its impact. The journey toward digital safety and gender equality is ongoing, and the voices of young advocates will remain at its forefront.