Gender activist Regina Asamoah wins prestigious IVLP impact award from the US Department of State

Ghanaian journalist and gender activist Regina Asamoah has won the 2024 IVLP Impact Award Grant from the U.S. Department of State. Her project, “Young Voices Matter,” aims to equip young children with the skills needed to combat gender-based violence (GBV).

According to the U.S. Department of State, 120 applicants from 101 countries were selected for the grant, with funding from the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Meridian International Center will serve as the implementing partner for these projects worldwide.

Young Voices Matter: Empowering Boys and Girls

Regina Asamoah’s project stood out from over 600 submissions worldwide. The “Young Voices Matter” initiative aims to raise awareness about gender-based violence among children and create a safe and supportive environment for both boys and girls.

The project is being implemented in Accra in partnership with Missing Children Ghana, an organisation dedicated to reuniting missing children with their families.

This award follows Ms. Asamoah’s participation in the 2023 IVLP on Gender-Based Violence, held in the United States. She joined eight other advocates from Africa for the three-week exchange program hosted by the U.S. Department of State in partnership with the Cleveland Council on World Affairs, Global Ties Akron, and Gulf Coast Diplomacy.

Learning and Exchange in the United States

During the IVLP program, Regina Asamoah interacted with US-based organizations advocating for children’s rights, women’s rights, and human rights. She visited six states, including Washington, DC, Louisville, New Hampshire, Boulder, Colorado Springs, and Denver, and gained insights into GBV and American culture.

Ms Asamoah expressed her gratitude and stressed that the award is a victory for every child affected by GBV. “I don’t see this award as a personal achievement. It is an achievement for the youth. It is a victory for every child and youth who has experienced GBV, those who are abused and bullied into staying silent. Together we will amplify their voices and create lasting change,” she said.

Impact of “Young Voices Matter”

The Young Voices Matter project aims to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people across Ghana. It empowers young boys and girls to recognise and prevent GBV, and provides essential support to survivors. The project also aims to create a generation of young people who will be active agents of change in ending GBV in schools.

Project activities

The project will engage 100 students from two selected schools in educational sessions designed to equip them with the knowledge and tools to combat GBV. These sessions will be complemented by a workshop for 10 teachers, empowering them to address GBV issues within their classrooms and school communities. A training manual for teachers will be developed to ensure the sustainability of the project. In addition, two engaging 5-minute documentaries will be produced of the training sessions.

The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP)

The IVLP, a professional exchange program funded by the U.S. Department of State, was launched in 1940 to foster mutual understanding between the United States and other countries. It connects leaders with their American counterparts through short-term visits, cultural exchanges, and professional networking opportunities. Participants are nominated and selected annually by U.S. embassy staff worldwide.

IVLP Impact Prices

The IVLP Impact Awards, implemented by Meridian International Center in partnership with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, recognize and support innovative projects proposed by IVLP alumni. These awards provide financial and logistical support to help implement projects that address critical social issues and contribute to community development, thereby fostering a global network of leaders committed to positive change.

Regina Asamoah’s “Young Voices Matter” project is an example of the power of education and community engagement in addressing GBV, and sets a promising precedent for similar initiatives in the future. “My IVLP Impact Award Project will be a beacon of hope in the ongoing fight against GBV. Together, we can create a future where every individual can live free from fear and oppression,” she said.

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