MoGCSP, UNFPA lead awareness campaign to end gender-based violence

The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP), in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), organized a float to commemorate the 2024 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

The float, held on Monday, 25th November, began at the forecourt of the Ministry and ended at the GPRTU station at Circle, aiming to create awareness, promote advocacy, and inspire collective action to combat gender-based violence.

Speaking at the event, the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Dakoa Newman, highlighted the pervasive nature of violence against women and girls, which takes many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, and economic abuse.

She said, "Every year, millions of women and girls worldwide become victims of various forms of violence, including domestic abuse." She further emphasized that systemic barriers, such as the denial of opportunities for women's development, exacerbate the issue.

Citing data from the 2016 Domestic Violence Survey in Ghana, Hon. Newman revealed that approximately 27.7% of Ghanaian women reported experiencing at least one form of domestic violence—whether physical, economic, psychological, social, or sexual—in their lifetime.

She added, "The 2017/2018 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey revealed that around 38.2% of adolescent girls aged 15-19 had experienced at least one act of sexual violence."

Hon. Newman urged all stakeholders to reflect on the commitments made at the 1995 Beijing Conference as part of the theme, “30 Years After The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls in Ghana.”

She said, "This is a call to action for governments, decision-makers, and everyone to assess our progress in advancing gender equality and preventing all forms of violence against women and girls in Ghana while recognizing the work that still lies ahead."

Despite existing legal frameworks, international conventions, and treaties, she noted that violence against women and girls remains a significant barrier to achieving gender equality in Ghana.

The Minister highlighted the efforts of the Orange Support Centre, established in 2021 by the Ministry and UNFPA, which has handled 718 cases of abuse, resolving 547 of them, with 171 cases still ongoing.

Additionally, 180 market executives have been trained as paralegals across six markets in Accra and in four regions: Bono East, Northern, Western, and Volta.

In 2024 alone, 105 service providers were trained in the Essential Services Package for Women and Girls subjected to violence.

Dr David Wilfred Ochan, UNFPA Representative, launched the "16 Routes, 16 Stations: Public Transports Unite Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence," which brings together transport operators, unions, and stakeholders to create a safer and more equitable environment for all.

He emphasized the importance of collective action, stating, "Gender-based violence remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations worldwide. The transport sector is not immune to this issue, and it is our responsibility to take a stand."

Dr. Ochan urged everyone to join the campaign, saying, "#JoinTheBusStopTheViolence to end gender-based violence."

The float and associated activities served as a powerful reminder of the need for unified efforts to address gender-based violence and advance gender equality in Ghana.