The Domestic Violence Secretariat under the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection in collaboration with UNFPA have organized a Capacity Building Training on Sexual & Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and COVID-19 for key and relevant stakeholders last Friday 16th April, 2021 in Accra.
The essence of the training was meant to enhance stakeholders’ capacity to enable them play their role in response to issues of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in their catchment area.
The meeting brought together some traditional and opinion leaders, religious leaders, market women, security personnel amongst others from Dome, Kaneshie, Teshie and Nima.
In her statement, the Head of the Domestic Violence Secretariat, Madam Malonin Asibi on behalf of the Minister, Hon. Sarah Adwoa Safo said violence against women and children remains a major challenge to the development of women, girls and children in the country hence the need to collaborate in the fight against the domestic violence and it’s related issues in Ghana.
The Deputy Country Representative of UNFPA, Dr. Agnes Kayitankore said it is estimated that 1 in every 5 girls, aged 20-24 years are married before age of 18. This she said calls for concern among stakeholders since victims of child marriage face difficulties during child birth resulting in an increase in Obstetric Fistula cases.
She entreated stakeholders present to educate members of their community on the dangers associated with child marriage and domestic violence.
Participants were taken through the Introduction to Gender and Human Rights and the role of Stakeholders in ending DV/SGBV and its harmful practices.