MTN embarks on child online safety campaign to protect girls online

MTN Ghana Foundation, in collaboration with the Martha Inspires Foundation, marked this year’s International Day of the Girl Child with an event that aimed at empowering young girls to envision and build a brighter future. The event, which was held in the Northern regional capital, Tamale, brought together young girls from the community to explore themes of leadership, creativity, and online safety.

Georgina Asare Fiagbenu, Senior Manager for Corporate Communications at MTN Ghana, led a session where she engaged the young girls in discussions about their goals and aspirations. She encouraged the young girls to dream big in their aspirations saying “You have the power to become anything you aspire to in life. When you dream big and commit wholeheartedly to your goals, nothing and no one can stand in your way.”

The event also touched on safe online practices in an increasingly digital environment. Georgina Asare Fiagbenu took the participants through topics such as safe internet practices for girls, digital parenting strategies for parents, young girls, and online protection tips for mothers to ensure the safety of their children. The topics were aimed at equipping both girls and their parents with the knowledge and tools to navigate the digital space responsibly.

In her presentation on practicing safety online, Mrs. Asare Fiagbenu said, “In today’s digital age, exercising caution online is more crucial than ever. While the internet serves as a powerful platform for social change and connection, it can also be a complex and potentially dangerous space, especially for young, unsuspecting girls, if proper safety measures are not taken.”

In a similar event organized by the Ghana Education Service, Maame Ekua Ofori, Senior Manager for Legal at MTN and Louisa Ama Sosu, Senior Manager for Network Performance, also took part in a mentorship summit for girls.  They addressed the critical issue of the lack of role models in many communities, emphasizing how this gap can limit the academic aspirations and professional growth of girls.

Empowering young girls is critical to the socio-economic development of societies across the world. The MTN Ghana Foundation, through its various interventions targeted at young girls, is committed to empowering the next generation of female leaders through targeted initiatives that create safe, supportive environments and promote education and confidence among young girls.