On February 6, 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Mohammed Ayisha, a seasoned broadcast journalist, media trainer, and gender advocate, stepped into a transformative space at the Gender is My Agenda Campaign (GIMAC) advocacy training. As the national vice chairperson of the Young Urban Women’s Movement of ActionAid, Ayisha has long been at the forefront of gender advocacy. However, this training deepened her resolve to extend her influence beyond media platforms and into the communities where change is most needed—rural Ghana, particularly in the northern regions. The event, a key initiative of the African Union (AU), sought to empower young women and youth with the skills, knowledge, and networks to drive the reparations agenda, challenge social and economic injustices, and create lasting community impacts. For Ayisha, this experience was not just another training—it was a call to action.
The Intersection of Reparations, Identity, and Gender Equality
GIMAC’s advocacy training aimed to empower young women with the tools and networks to drive the reparations agenda, challenge socio-economic injustices, and leave a lasting impact on their communities. As Ayisha engaged in discussions, she became increasingly aware of the intricate link between gender advocacy and the broader reparations movement. She reflected on how African societies continue to grapple with the remnants of colonialism, not just economically but culturally. “It is ironic that we seek reparations while still embracing Western cultural norms,” Ayisha noted. “Using Western utensils, language, and customs can contribute to cultural erasure, making us prioritize external influences over our own heritage. “This realization fueled her belief that true reparations go beyond financial restitution; they require a cultural and psychological renaissance. For Ayisha, reclaiming African traditions, languages, and values is just as crucial as seeking economic justice.
From Training to Action: Educating and Empowering Rural Girls
Returning to Ghana, Ayisha is determined to translate her experience at GIMAC into tangible action. She recognizes that young girls in rural areas, especially in the northern regions, remain vulnerable to systemic injustices, from economic disenfranchisement to cultural alienation. Her response? Step-down education and awareness campaigns tailored to these young girls, ensuring they understand how historical injustices shape their present reality. “Young people must grasp how colonial legacies and economic exploitation still dictate our opportunities today,” she emphasized. “By understanding our past, we can demand accountability and shape a future where justice and equity prevail. “Her approach is twofold: first, raising awareness about reparations and systemic injustices, and second, equipping young girls with the knowledge and confidence to embrace their cultural identity and take ownership of their narratives.
A Vision for the Future
For Ayisha, the journey does not end with training sessions and advocacy workshops. She envisions a movement where young girls in rural Ghana become informed, engaged, and empowered participants in the global reparations discourse. By merging media, education, and grassroots mobilization, she aims to create a ripple effect—one where communities reclaim their history, demand justice, and build a future rooted in cultural pride and economic equity.
Her experience at GIMAC has reaffirmed her belief that young people, particularly girls, must be at the forefront of advocacy efforts. “We can’t win this fight without their energy, creativity, and determination,” she says. “It’s time to rise, educate, and unite for a just and equitable future. “As Ayisha sets out to bridge the gap between advocacy and action, her work serves as a beacon of hope for countless young girls in Ghana—offering them not just knowledge, but a path toward self-empowerment and societal transformation.
By: Azure Imoro Abdulai
Development Communication Specialist