VICE PRESIDENT LAUNCHES GROUP ON CAMPAIGN TO END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

Violence against women and girls still remains an issue in Ghana and it takes many forms. The problem is not limited to any culture, region, ethnic group or any specific group of women and girls. Violence in whatever form jeopardizes the rights, liberty, health, quality of life and in some cases the lives of the victims irrespective of their nationality, age or social status.

How can one put an end to the most widespread violation of human rights in the world? How can one combat this scourge the consequences of which hamper the orderly development of society, community and a nation at large? It is in this context that the UN Secretary-General, H.E. Ban Ki-moon is calling for action from all Member States of the United Nations to UNiTE to end Violence against Women and Girls.

To this end, the UN system in Ghana in collaboration with the Ministry of Women and Children's Affairs will on Wednesday, 25 November 2009, at Winneba Lorry Park at 09.30 am launch a Group of prominent Ghanaians to focus on the problem and also 16 Days of Activism as a follow up to the Secretary-General's campaign to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

The theme for this year's commemoration is: COMMIT, ACT, DEMAND; WE CAN END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS.

The Campaign calls on National Supporters comprising eminent men and women from all sectors, women politicians, parliamentarians, political leaders and representatives, civil society organizations including international and regional institutions, academicians, researchers, gender experts, legal professionals, activists, media and Government representatives to raise awareness on Gender-Based Violence. The Campaign brings the Human Rights Framework to the heart of its work and utilizes it to ensure that both state and non-state actors are held accountable for working together to fight against acts of violence against women, which is expected to meet the target of the Millennium Development Goals in the year 2015.

The Vice President, H. E. John Dramani Mahama will be the Guest of Honour. Other dignitaries will include Honourable Akua Senna Dansua, Minister for Women and Children's Affairs and Honourable Ama Benyiwa Doe, Central Regional Minister.

A TV piece on the Day is being produced by UNiFEED ahead of the Day, featuring an interview with UNIFEM Executive Director, Ines Alberdi, and various b-roll on violence against women. Local broadcasters can download it on 23 or 24 November 2009 at http://www.un.org/unifeed

United Nations is pleased to see Ghana united to end Violence against Women. Come and promote effective ways of combating violence against women in all fields to support the Secretary-General's Campaign and the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

Development / Accra / Ghana / Africa / Modernghana.com