Young African Girls, Dare to Speak: The Power of Debate
By Abena Achiaa Otuo
For this year’s International Women’s Day which was celebrated on March 8, 2023, I served as the Chief Adjudicator of the 2nd edition of the Inter-School Girls Debating Championship organized by 7 Minutes for Girls and Speech Forces Organization. The role involved providing debate training, coming up with topics for debate rounds as well as the general organization and management for the tournament. This debate brought together high school girls from across Ghana to debate on issues ranging from women’s interaction with the criminal justice system, encouraging women to enter into male-dominated work and educational spaces, and the effectiveness of educational quotas as a tool for women’s empowerment.
Seeing the young girls debate reminded me of how I felt when I was exposed to competitive debating in 2018. I discovered that debating provided a unique platform for young people, women and men alike, to contribute meaningfully to pertinent topics ranging from politics to education to economics. Women are so often socialized to be silent and to shrink themselves, as though they were any less human. From pervasive gender roles to domestic violence and to all other forms of subtle and overt gender discrimination, it is really hard for a woman to muster courage and let her voice be heard. Therefore, I came to deeply appreciate the opportunity and ability I had to debate; debate not only gave me a voice but encouraged me to use that voice.
Accordingly, to me, particularly as a woman, debate was not just a sport. It was a bridge between young women and policy leaders where I safely could air all my (controversial) views on topical issues that shape our society. But importantly, as I broadened my worldview, I developed dexterity of mind, cultural sensitivity, and empathy. I learned to value others irrespective of their background, gender, status, and political opinions. It was also a unique avenue to enhance my critical thinking, research, and communication skills. Even when the “outside world” sought to suppress my voice, debate was my confidence booster; debate reminded me that my voice needed to be heard.
I did not start debating and public speaking in high school but from listening to these brilliant young girls speak their truth unafraid, I wish I did. While I cannot go back in time, I can tell young girls today, “dare to speak!”. Your voice needs to be heard.