Newfound Hope for Suicide Decriminalization

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Association for Suicide Prevention designed September 10, World Suicide Prevention Day as a day to end the stigma of suicide and to spread the message that it can be prevented. The message of their cause was heard in 2023. 

People were fearful for not only themselves, but their loved ones for receiving punishments, which stopped them from seeking out help, but soon a new optimism was discovered for those suffering in silence. This hope was found due to United for Global Mental Health and Global Mental Health Action Network collaborating to work with countries that categorize suicide as a criminal offense. This is significant because suicide should not be seen as a crime, but rather a public health concern. 

The country Ghana was one of the countries that was pressed on by joint action and was able to make great reforms of suicide decriminalization in March 2023. These legislative changes not only gave people a chance to come forward to gain support, but also was a step to end the stigma of suicide. This was also a huge step because suicide attempts were still illegal in former British colonies, so Ghana is breaking away from old British legislation and its past as a former British colony under that ideation. Additionally, this raises hope to other African countries. This demonstration of suicide prevention and decriminalization is not only positive and important in countries of Africa, but it also provides help for those who also suffer in silence in other countries across the world. 

Sources:

Ghana has been Among a Few States who have made Landmark Reforms to Decriminalise Suicide - Africa.com (www.africa.com)

From Ghana to Guyana, hope mounts in fight against suicide criminalisation | Mental Health | Al Jazeera

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The Youth of Ghana

 Ghana has a youth robotics team that was preparing to compete in Singapore from October 7th to the 13th this year at FIRST Global, which an annual international robotics competition in Olympic style were youths from all around the world are brought together that have a passion for STEM held at the Singapore EXPO. This gives thousands of children from across the world to experience their passion for STEM and further their knowledge and experience. 

In 2017, the team for Ghana was the only all-female team for Africa at the FIRST Global competition that was held at Washington D.C., USA. The Ghanaian robotics team for this year was comprised of five students who attend Achimota Senior High School, which is located in Accra, Ghana. This school is mentored by STEMbees, which is an organization that promotes STEM education among African women. This is important because this further African women's education and give them an abundance of opportunities.

Speaking of STEMbees, the organization led a fundraising campaign for financial help and support from companies and people who are passionate for education, innovation, and empowering young women in the STEM field. This campaign was to raise money for a trip for the team and two coaches or mentors. This was a great opportunity for the Ghanaian team and for the future of young women pursuing STEM. I hope they keep doing fundraisers every year for not only young Ghanaian women, but other young women across Africa. 

Sources:

Ghana's Youth Robotics Team Prepare to Compete in Singapore - Africa.com (www.africa.com)

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