The 16 Days of Activism campaign against gender-based violence was officially launched in Tamale by the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, along with its partners. The launch commenced with a health walk through the main streets of Tamale, aiming to raise awareness about the campaign. This event was also a part of the observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Children.
During her keynote address, Honorable Hajia Lariba Zuweira Abudu, the Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, emphasized the persistent challenges faced by women and girls despite various interventions.
Referring to the 2016 domestic violence survey, she highlighted that 27.7% of Ghanaian women had encountered domestic violence at least once in their lives.
Additionally, the 2017/2018 survey indicated that 38.2% of adolescent girls aged 15-19 reported experiencing at least one incident of sexual violence in the country.
As the Member of Parliament for Walewale Constituency, the Minister stressed the ongoing prevalence of violence globally, with one in three women and girls enduring some form of violence. The call for collaborative efforts to address these challenges was emphasized, acknowledging the necessity for more collective action to remove the existing barriers in society.
“Acts of sexual and gender based violence are common happenings around us every day that are serious offences and yet are trivialized in our society due to cultural norms, beliefs and practices that continue to put women and girls in positions of vulnerability, and these have unreversed devastating consequences on their lives.
“The current situation of climate change and conflicts should give us grounds to invest in preventing violence against women and girls. It is my firm belief that collective action is the way to go,” she said.
Honorable Lariba Abudu, during her address, highlighted the ongoing efforts of the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection in combatting violence against women and girls in the nation. The ministry has been actively raising awareness through policy initiatives and interventions as part of its commitment to preventing such violence. The focus extends to advocating for the vulnerable, particularly women and girls who face various forms of abuse on a daily basis.
She further disclosed that her ministry has successfully completed the initial phase of the review process for the Domestic Violence Act,732(2007), its legislative instrument, and the National Domestic Violence Policy. These reviewed documents are poised to progress to the next stage for further refinement.
She went on to say that the gender ministry is working to get the affirmative action measure passed. “We are working relentlessly on the Affirmative Action Bill to get it passed”, she revealed.
During his introductory speech, Alhaji Shani Alhassan Shaibu, the Northern Regional Minister, expressed concern about the prevalent incidents of violence targeting women and girls in the region.
Despite the government’s endeavors and the work of gender-based organizations, the Northern Region continues to witness elevated instances of abuse. Issues such as accusations of witchcraft against women, harmful practices related to widowhood rights, and the increasing occurrences of early and forced marriages remain significant challenges.
“It is for this reason that over the next 16 days, we all are collectively embarking on this journey to affirm our commitment to stand together and raise our voices against the injustices of violence against women and girls,” he said.
Representing the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Mr. Alhassan Mohammed Awal, the executive director of the Northern Sector Action on Awareness Center (NORSAAC), appreciated the government for earmarking Ghc 8 million for the gender ministry. However, he urged the government to go beyond mere budget allocations and make substantial investments in the sector.
The theme for this year is “United! Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls.”
Source: Osman | Ghana360news.com
