The Aya Initiative - June Edition

Barely three months in, and we are already seeing our ladies stand taller, speak louder and dream bigger.

June was a month of deep reflection and powerful transformation for our 2025 Aya Initiative cohort. From heartfelt conversations about self-love and self-awareness to honest discussions on mental health, and how food influences our bodies, every session reminded us of what it means to truly care for ourselves.

The month began on June 5th with an empowering session on Self-Awareness and Relationships, led by Doris Barnes. This was not your typical “relationship talk.” Our speaker gently guided the ladies to look inward before looking outward, as it reflects the kind of people they attract into their lives.

One of the most powerful takeaways from the session was this: you are already whole.  A healthy relationship should never define you or complete you, it should complement your wholeness. From identifying red flags like gaslighting and control, to learning about physical, emotional, and digital safety, Doris gave the girls tools to protect not just their hearts, but their identities.

On June 9th, we shifted the conversation again, this time, learning more about Mental Health with Amma Gyamfowa. Amma’s session felt more like a soul talk than a lecture. She asked questions that lingered long after the call ended: “What uplifts you? What feels precious in your life?"

The girls shared openly about how religion, culture, and family dynamics have shaped their understanding of mental health. Many related to the popular belief that depression is “a foreign problem” or the pressure to “be strong” instead of grieving. Amma used simple but powerful analogies, like handling overripe plantain with care, to explain how we need to treat ourselves gently, especially when we’re hurting.

The ladies felt comfortable talking about their relatable experiences, with one bravely sharing how her family constantly compares her to her sister, affecting her confidence and self-esteem. Amma’s advice was compassionate: start with a conversation, and if that doesn’t work, give yourself permission to set boundaries, even with family.

Mid-month, on June 13th and 19th, select ladies from the cohort received individual therapy sessions, tailored to meet their unique needs. These one-on-one sessions are a new addition to the program, part of our deepened commitment to mental wellness. Because healing is not linear, and for some, group sessions are not always enough. This personalised support ensures that every Aya lady receives care that honours her specific journey.

June 18th brought a vibrant shift in energy with a powerful session on Opportunities and Commitment, led by Maud Ewoenam Fugar. Maud’s message was clear: commitment is more than saying yes when things are exciting. It is about staying consistent, even when no one is watching.

She spoke about the power of volunteering, not just for community impact, but for personal and professional growth. The ladies learned that small opportunities can lead to big breakthroughs if they show up, stay intentional, and finish what they start.

“Start scared, but start"

“Be consistent, be accountable, and never underestimate the value of your story.”

To make space for reflection, a peer session was held on June 27th, led by Anselm Aubrey Arthur. This was to catch up with the ladies, answer questions they might have and to learn how they have found the journey so far. There was an interesting icebreaker of “guess the picture”, where the ladies had to interpret pictures into words or phrases by guessing. This session was light, with laughter, an opportunity for the ladies to bond.

We wrapped up the month on June 30th with an informative session on Nutritional Wellness, led by Soteria Aba Yedua Ntim-Adu. For many of the ladies, this was the first time they had ever been taught how food and hormones work together. The session explored how our energy, emotions, and productivity shift throughout the four stages of the menstrual cycle and how what we eat during each stage can either support or sabotage our wellness.

From eating iron-rich foods during menstruation to upping carbohydrates in the follicular phase and choosing calming meals before the period, the ladies walked away with practical, easy-to-understand tools to nourish their bodies. Soteria’s message was clear, 

“Understanding your body is not a luxury. It’s your right.”

As always, the Aya Initiative team is grateful to our facilitators, therapists, peer leaders, and especially our ladies for their openness and commitment to growth.

The Aya Initiative is proudly supported by the KGL FOUNDATION.

Written by: Della Adzadi