Nkroful Street, Takoradi - Ghana
Welcome to HURDS
Success Stories
Stories of Hope
At Human Rights and Development Services (HURDS), every life we impact reaffirms our mission: to protect the rights and dignity of children and vulnerable individuals. These success stories are a testament to the power of timely action, collaboration, and community engagement.
1. Rescuing a 15-Year-Old Girl from Child Marriage
In March 2025, HURDS successfully intervened in a forced child marriage case involving a 15-year-old girl in Sekondi, Ghana. Just days before the marriage was to occur, we received a critical tip-off and acted immediately. Working in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare, the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service, and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, we rescued the girl and placed her in a safe home. Today, she receives counseling and support to continue her education. This case highlights our deep commitment to upholding the Children’s Act and ending child marriage in Ghana.
2. Reopening a Defilement Case for a 14-Year-Old Survivor
A 14-year-old girl’s defilement case, which had been initially abandoned, found new life through our intervention. Despite a lack of accountability, HURDS advocated fiercely for justice, resulting in the case being reopened and placed under renewed legal scrutiny.
This success not only restored the survivor’s hope but also strengthened public trust in the justice and child protection systems. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for the voiceless.
3. WESVAC 2022 Float: A Call to End Sexual Violence Against Children
To mark the 10th anniversary of the International Day of the Girl Child, HURDS and its partners organized the Walk to End Sexual Violence Against Children (WESVAC 2022) in Sekondi-Takoradi. Over 360 students from 36 schools participated in the float, which culminated in a durbar and mentorship session at the Takoradi Mall.
The event served as a strong visual protest against sexual violence and created a platform for girl empowerment through education and mentorship.
4. Inspiring Career Aspirations through Mentorship
During the durbar, female professionals including an engineer, a doctor, a lawyer, and an entrepreneur mentored the girls on the importance of education, abstinence, and career ambition. Girls were encouraged to take up male-dominated careers and challenge cultural limitations. Mentors like Madam Evelyn Odo (Electrical Engineer) and Dr. Portia Adum-Atta shared personal experiences, inspiring students to stay focused and aim high. The feedback from students indicated increased motivation and a shift in perception about what is possible for them.
5. Entrepreneurship as a Tool for Change
Madam Rebecca Amagah, CEO of Happymeg Ventures, shared insights on the role of entrepreneurship in reducing unemployment and poverty. Her talk encouraged girls to combine formal education with skills training. This message resonated with many attendees, especially in a context where youth unemployment is a pressing issue. Girls expressed interest in exploring vocational skills alongside their studies, signaling a shift in mindset toward self-reliance.
6. Mobilizing Communities Against Gender-Based Violence at Nkotompo
A follow-up sensitization session in Nkotompo on September 13, 2022, brought together 50 residents who learned about the legal consequences of defilement, incest, and rape. This event highlighted the urgent need to address rising teenage pregnancy and child exploitation in the area. Testimonies shared by participants, including a story from a woman in an abusive relationship, brought depth to the session and emphasized the community’s growing awareness of these critical issues. Many left the session motivated to act as advocates for change.
7. Community Sensitization at Essaman – Changing Perceptions
On September 6, 2022, a successful sensitization workshop was held in Essaman, a fishing community, where 48 community members participated. Topics such as gender-based violence, child prostitution, and parental responsibility were discussed. Parents were encouraged to support their children’s education and welfare. As a result, many community members expressed a renewed commitment to promoting children’s rights and ensuring their academic success.
6. Mobilizing Communities Against Gender-Based Violence at Nkotompo
A follow-up sensitization session in Nkotompo on September 13, 2022, brought together 50 residents who learned about the legal consequences of defilement, incest, and rape. This event highlighted the urgent need to address rising teenage pregnancy and child exploitation in the area. Testimonies shared by participants, including a story from a woman in an abusive relationship, brought depth to the session and emphasized the community’s growing awareness of these critical issues. Many left the session motivated to act as advocates for change.