The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has launched the 2024 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
The campaign, themed “30 Years After the Beijing Declaration: UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls in Ghana,” calls for collective efforts to combat gender-based violence.
Speaking at the launch at Odawna new station in Accra, Madam Dakoa Newman emphasised the devastating impact of violence on women and girls in Ghana.
She cited a 2016 survey showing that 27.7% of women in Ghana have experienced domestic violence, and a 2017/2018 report revealed that 38.2% of girls aged 15-19 have faced sexual violence.
“Violence against women and girls is not only a human rights violation but also a major barrier to our national development. We must act urgently and collectively,” she said.
Highlighting efforts to combat gender-based violence, the Minister outlined several initiatives by the Ministry, including the establishment of the Orange Support Center, which provides legal, medical, and counseling services to survivors through a toll-free abuse hotline (0800-111-222) and has handled over 700 cases since 2021; the training of over 180 market executives as paralegals to support abuse victims in Accra and across four regions; the renovation of the Domestic Violence Shelter in Accra, set to reopen by the end of the year; and the operationalization of the Victims of Domestic Violence Fund, with a call for donations to enhance support for survivors.
Madam Newman called on all sectors to unite in the fight against gender inequality and violence, stating, “Ending violence against women and girls is possible if we stand together.”
The Ministry also plans community sensitization campaigns in the Central, Eastern, and Greater Accra Regions as part of the 16 Days of Activism.
Mr. Charles Arbani, a representative from the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office (UN RCO), reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to addressing gender-based violence in Ghana. Initiatives include advocacy efforts, partnerships with stakeholders, and the launch of the BOAME app to support survivors.
The launch was marked by a symbolic walk from the Ministry of Gender’s office to Circle Odawna new station, drawing participants from government agencies, civil society organizations, market groups, students, and development partners.
The campaign is part of the global 16 Days of Activism, which runs annually to raise awareness and drive action against gender-based violence.
