The Chief Executive Officer of SHE Helping Hand, Lady Consuella Kabutey-Ongôr, has raised concern over the growing mental and emotional challenges facing young girls engaged in fish trading activities within coastal communities, describing the situation as worrying and capable of affecting their future.
According to her, many young girls involved in the fish trade are silently battling emotional stress, anxiety, economic pressure, harassment, and social neglect while struggling daily to support themselves and their families.
Speaking during a community engagement with young girls in the fisheries sector, Lady Consuella noted that although much attention is often placed on the economic contribution of the fishing industry, very little focus is directed toward the emotional and psychological wellbeing of the young girls who form part of the value chain.
“These girls wake up very early, carry heavy responsibilities, face insults at the marketplaces, financial pressure, and sometimes harassment, yet nobody asks how they are coping mentally,” she stated.
She explained that the harsh realities surrounding the fish trade are gradually affecting the confidence, education, decision-making, and emotional stability of many young girls in coastal communities.
Lady Consuella further indicated that some of the girls are forced to combine school with strenuous trading activities, while others entirely abandon their education due to economic hardship and family expectations.
“What is happening is beyond poverty alone. Some of these girls are emotionally exhausted, but because society sees them working and smiling, people assume everything is fine,” she added.
The SHE Helping Hand CEO called on parents, traditional authorities, government institutions, civil society organizations, and stakeholders within the fisheries sector to prioritize mental health conversations and support systems for vulnerable girls in fishing communities.
She emphasized the need for mentorship programmes, guidance and counselling, educational support, safe community spaces, and economic empowerment initiatives that will help reduce the pressure on young girls.
Lady Consuella also encouraged young girls not to suffer in silence but to speak up, seek guidance, and remain hopeful despite the challenges they face.
She reiterated the organization’s commitment to championing initiatives that protect, empower, and support girls and women within underserved communities.
SHE Helping Hand is a non-governmental organization focused on women empowerment, community development, advocacy, and support for vulnerable groups, particularly within coastal communities in Ghana.
https://www.theshehelpinghand.com/
