The Aya Initiative - June Edition

25 Ladies, 4 Weeks, 3 Formal Sessions, 1 Mental Health Workshop, and More…

The Blossom phase of the Aya Initiative has successfully come to an end. Last month, we launched this life-changing initiative aimed at improving the quality of life for young women and girls who have faced significant challenges affecting their mental health.

The first phase began with an informal session where team members briefed the ladies on what to expect for the month. This engaging session allowed the participants to familiarize themselves with each other as well as strengthen their sense of community.

On May 5th, Edward Asare, an award-winning certified digital marketer, joined the ladies to discuss how to optimize this opportunity and make the most of the program. He emphasized the importance of positive affirmations and encouraged the ladies to practice them regularly as they yield mental and physical results. 

Understanding what mental health truly entails is crucial for beginning their mental health journey. The ladies were excited to have Stephanie Fleischer-Brock (MSc), a youth mental health advocate, lead an interactive and educational session on mental health. Stephanie highlighted the universal impact of mental health, noting that it affects everyone regardless of gender, race, or societal status. She also mentioned that there are over 200 types of mental health disorders and the various factors that can contribute to these issues.

Recognizing that mental health affects all areas of life, we had Nadine Pfeifer, a Confidence Coach, conduct a confidence-building and self-esteem workshop for thé Aya Initiative participants. This session taught the ladies how to build their confidence through self-awareness, which is essential for becoming better leaders.

As part of the Aya Initiative, the participants will have opportunities to attend events related to mental health and leadership. Four selected ladies represented the group at a mental health workshop hosted by Amma Gyamfowa, a Mental Health Therapist, at the Suncity Apartments in Accra. Feedback from the ladies indicated that the event was highly beneficial. One participant shared,

 “I learned that prioritizing self-care and treating myself with kindness is crucial, especially in leadership roles. By embracing self-compassion and patience, I can become a more effective and empathetic leader.”

In commemoration of World Menstrual Hygiene Day, we engaged with 100 girls from across 12 schools in the Shai Osudoku District of the Greater Accra region. This was an unforgettable experience for some of the ladies from the Aya Initiative who joined the team for their first Like Her Project session. Here's what one of the ladies said:

Participating in my first Like Her Project volunteering experience with AKAYA was an eye-opening journey, blending personal impact with the opportunity to make a difference. As an AYA Initiative participant, it reminded me of the profound impact small acts of kindness and solidarity can have on individuals and communities alike.

The next phase kicks off this month with more inspiring and insightful sessions and events for our participants. To stay updated on our upcoming events, follow us on social media and subscribe to this newsletter.

The Aya Initiative is kindly supported by the KGL FOUNDATION.