The Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Ms Dakoa Newman, has restated the government’s commitment to ending Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Ghana. She mentioned that the Ministry has been working diligently with partners and stakeholders to combat violence against women and girls and promote gender equality. This was highlighted during the launch of the “16 Routes, 16 Stations: Transport Unions Unite Against GBV” campaign in Accra, which is part of the 16 Days of Activism against GBV in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), and MTN.
The campaign, held annually from November 25 to December 10, aims to raise awareness and urge governments, decision-makers, and stakeholders to address issues affecting the overall development of women and girls. Ms Newman cited statistics from the 2016 Domestic Violence Survey and the 2017/2018 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, which revealed alarming rates of domestic and sexual violence experienced by women and adolescent girls in Ghana. To address these issues, the Ministry, in partnership with the UNFPA, established the Orange Support Centre to provide essential services such as counseling, legal advice, and medical support to abused women and girls.
The Minister also mentioned the training of market executives as paralegals and service providers in the Essential Services Package for Women and Girls subjected to violence. Additionally, efforts have been made to renovate the Domestic Violence Shelter in Accra and operationalize the Victims of Domestic Violence Fund. Ms Newman called on organizations and individuals to contribute to the Fund to enhance support for survivors. The United Nations Resident Coordinator, Mr Charles Abani, emphasized the need for collective action to address GBV globally and encouraged citizens to join the campaign to end violence against women.
Dr. David Wilfred Ochan, Country Representative of UNFPA, stressed the importance of accountability and policies that ensure safety and protection against GBV. He urged stakeholders to support initiatives that make information accessible and empower survivors to seek help. Mr. Godfred Abulbire, General Secretary of GPRTU, advised men who are victims of abuse by women to report such incidents to the appropriate authorities for assistance. The theme for this year’s campaign is “Towards Beijing +30: UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls,” with Ghana’s theme focusing on uniting to end violence against women and girls in the country.
In addition to the campaign activities, the Ministry organized a walk to raise awareness about GBV, starting from its premises to the Ridge Roundabout through various locations in Accra. The government’s efforts, in collaboration with international organizations and local partners, demonstrate a concerted commitment to addressing and eradicating Gender-Based Violence in Ghana. Such initiatives play a crucial role in promoting gender equality and ensuring the safety and well-being of women and girls in the society.
