Yes today is International Women’s Day, we are celebrating young women in Africa, but this one is so special. Today, we shall also be celebrating a quiet-looking young African gentleman who also puts so much of his effort into helping women in the areas of Sexual, Health, Reproductive and Right issues in his society.
1. Let’s get to know you Philip
Philip Bagyiliko Tengzu is my name. A native of Ghana. I hold a BA degree in communication with a specialization in journalism from the Ghana Institute of Journalism. Interestingly, I love swimming and have found chatting with ladies more than men but also fear them a lot.
2. What female in Africa inspires you the most and why
Talking about my African female hero, I would have been more likely to mention a male, but in this context, Edith Asamani is one young lady who inspire me a lot, not only in my field of work but also her values and qualities. More importantly, her “can do spirit” is something that challenges me never to give up. She is a lady who is determined and works towards her goals and aspirations. She encourages me to “learn more, do more, and become more”. She is an international figure due to her passion for women welfare and empowerment and is currently a young leader at Women Deliver.
3. What do you do and of what importance is what you do to the society?
As a young boy who grew up in a community where women are regarded as sex objects, housewives and must bow to the orders of men (their husband), a community where girls are devalued, discriminated against and denied their rights, mostly, of education, I deem it a responsibility to serve as their voice. Child marriages, teenage pregnancy, and school dropouts among other factors hinder girls from realizing their dreams.
In view of this, I thought it laudable to advocate to have cultural practices and beliefs which perpetuate these uncultured attitudes reversed. This led me to a youth-led organization, Curious Minds Ghana where we engage in sensitization activities in communities and schools to educate the people on their unalienable right and how to fight for them. Curious Minds Ghana, among other objectives, seeks to empower young people and children to advocate their rights, intercede for the vulnerable while being sensitive to gender.
I personally have much interest in young people Sexual, Reproductive Health, and Rights (SRHR). This is because SRHR of women and girls sets the foundation for women empowerment, reducing maternal mortality, and ensuring that girls attend and attain the highest level of education of their choice.
I look forward to seeing a generation where women will be their own bosses, where pregnant women will have safe delivery, where girls will have access to quality education and be empowered to reach the highest educational ladder they prefer and women will be respected, honoured, and revered in their societies. And that’s what I stand for.
4. What should be written on your tombstone
The compassionate leader.
5. How much do you love YALI, tell us
“Unnurtured potentials are untapped skills.” YALI is an avenue where I believe my potentials and skills would be nurtured. Networking is key in advancing one’s dream. Without networking your brilliant adventure would be limited to the four corners of your room.
Thus, after YALI I expect to I developed my potentials to fullest, identify hidden potentials and tap into other people’s experiences to help improve my abilities. I also expect to have created networks to help extend my activities to other parts of the continent and the world at large.
