LAUNCH OF THE 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MoGCSP), through the Domestic Violence Secretariat in collaboration with its partners and the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), officially launched the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence with a symbolic walk through the principal streets of Accra on Monday, November 25, 2024.

The event aimed to raise awareness and promote action to eliminate violence against women and girls under the theme: “30 Years After the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action:”UNITE to End Violence Against Women and Girls in Ghana.”

Speaking at the launch, Hon. Darkoa Newman, the Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, expressed deep concern about the pervasive violence against women and girls worldwide, emphasizing the need for collective action to address the issue. “The Ministry has trained over 180 market executives as paralegals and 105 service providers to support survivors of violence,” she noted.

Hon. Darkoa Newman further urged individuals and institutions to donate towards the effective implementation of the 16 Days of Activism initiative. “Ending violence against women and girls is possible when we unite and work together,” she emphasized.

The Minister expressed her gratitude to all partners for their technical and financial support of the Ministry’s programmes.

The GPRTU Representative, Mr. Godfrey Abugbiri, highlighted the Ministry’s collaboration with the GPRTU to educate drivers and conductors on preventing and reporting domestic violence in public transportation.

He described this partnership as a strategic move to combat gender-based violence in Ghana and to encourage more victims, including male survivors, to report cases to the Ministry.

In a brief statement, the Head of the Domestic Violence Secretariat at MoGCSP, Madam Malonin Asibi, emphasized the significance of the campaign’s conclusion on December 10, 2024, which coincides with Human Rights Day.

She urged all citizens and stakeholders to participate actively in the planned activities throughout the 16 Days of Activism against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).

The Country Representative of UNFPA Ghana, Mr. Wilfred Ochan, along with other development partners, delivered a solidarity message, describing the campaign as a call to action for creating a safer and more equitable environment in Ghana.

They pledged their continued support for Ghana’s efforts to eliminate sexual and gender-based violence.

Source: MoGCSP