ActionAid Ghana is calling for collective efforts by all stakeholders both state and non-state actors to address issues of Gender-based violence.
The organization holds the strong view that gender-based violence is highly preventable especially if all individuals are on board to take preventive measures. For the preventive measures to work well, the organization calls for the empowerment of communities to challenge harmful practices and therefore, trigger the desired change.
Delivering an address during an awareness-raising and stakeholder engagement on Gender-Based Violence, Yakubu Akuka, a Programme Manager with ActionAid Ghana, noted the need for increased resources to implement laws and ensure justice swiftly.
The engagement had in attendance youth affiliated with ActionAid Ghana including the Young Females Platform, Young Urban Women’s Movement, Activista Ghana, and COMBAT movement.
Officials of the Commission on Human Rights Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Department of Gender, traditional leaders, and the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) had representatives participating in a panel discussion.
This formed part of activities to mark 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence which spans 25 November to 10 December and is being marked under the theme: “Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls.”
It is on this score that Mr. Akuka is calling for collectivity, increased resources, and the empowerment of communities to challenge harmful practices.
“In recent years, we have seen some progress. 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 experiences 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. At ActionAid Ghana, we believe that gender-based violence is not inevitable; it is preventable. Our work focuses on empowering women and girls, holding perpetrators accountable, and working with communities to change harmful norms and practices.”
He continued, “Some of our initiatives include: Advocacy for Policy Reforms: Strengthening the implementation of laws like the Domestic Violence Act and ensuring survivors have access to justice”.
“Education and Awareness Campaigns: Equipping communities with the knowledge to challenge harmful stereotypes and behaviors, Empowering Survivors: Providing safe spaces, psychosocial support, and economic opportunities to help survivors rebuild their lives. The fight against GBV must continue and ActionAid cannot do this alone. The theme, ‘United to End Violence Against Women and Girls’ calls on all of us—governments, non-governmental organizations, traditional and religious leaders, businesses, and individuals—to take collective responsibility.
To policymakers: We urge you to increase resources for implementing laws and to ensure that justice is swift and accessible, to community leaders: Your role is pivotal in changing cultural norms and addressing practices like child marriage and female genital mutilation. To the media: Amplify the voices of survivors and highlight success stories to inspire change.” He stressed.
Gender Desk Officer at the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council, Yvonne Wunchua, urged people to speak out and not shelve issues of Gender-Based Violence.
