ActionAid Ghana (AAG), a non-governmental organization (NGO) in the Upper East Region, says with increased efforts and collaboration gender-based violence can be prevented.
The NGO, which work is focused on empowering women and girls by holding perpetrators of violence against women and girls accountable, also supports communities to change harmful norms and practices.
At a regional stakeholder engagement in Bolgatanga, AAG through its Programme Officer, Mr Yakubu Akuka, noted that gender-based violence was a human right violation that affected millions of people around the world, particularly women and girls.
He said the act knew no boundaries of age, culture, class, or geography, “It manifests in countless forms: domestic violence, sexual harassment, trafficking, child marriage, and even the digital abuse that plagues so many in our modern age.”
The engagement, which was part of activities to mark the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, was on the theme: “United to end violence against women and girls.”
It brought together officials from the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU), the Ghana Education Service (GES), the clergy and students, among others.
Mr Akuka acknowledged that AAG had seen some progress in the fight against gender-based violence, saying “Policies have been introduced, shelters have been established, and awareness has grown. Yet, statistics tell us that the fight is far from over.
“One in three women globally experience physical or sexual violence in her lifetime.
In Ghana, domestic violence, child marriage, and sexual harassment remain persistent challenges.
“Behind each of these numbers is a name, a face, and a story.
These are the stories of women and girls who need us to turn words into tangible actions,” he said.
The Programme Officer said AAG had taken some initiatives, including advocacy for policy reforms, education and awareness campaigns and empowering survivors of gender-based violence.
He emphasized the need for the fight against gender-based violence to continue, noting that the theme for the event called for collaboration from Governments, NGOs, traditional and religious leaders, businesses, and individuals to take collective responsibility.
Mr Akuka urged policymakers to increase resources to implement laws and ensure that justice was swift and accessible, adding that the role of community leaders was pivotal in changing cultural norms to address practices such as child marriage and female genital mutilation.
“As we unite, let us envision a Ghana where women and girls walk freely, live boldly, and dream without limitations.
Let us remember that every act of courage, no matter how small, contributes to the movement,” he said.
Mr Jaladeen Abdulai, the Upper East Regional Director of CHRAJ, said gender-based violence was criminal in nature, and explained that if the act was not aggravated in nature, it was allowed to be settled.
He, however, indicated that most of the gender-based violent acts were criminal in nature and insisted such acts should not be settled at home, but rather reported to the Police.
