Ghana has officially launched the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign aimed at eliminating violence against women and girls. The launch, which took place on Monday, November 25, 2024, in Accra, was organized by the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MoGCSP) in collaboration with its partners and the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU).
The event featured a symbolic walk through the principal streets of Accra, aimed at raising awareness and promoting action to eliminate violence against women and girls. Speaking at the launch, Darkoa Newman, the Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, expressed deep concern about the pervasive violence against women and girls worldwide, emphasizing the need for collective action to address the issue .
The Minister noted that the Ministry has trained over 180 market executives as paralegals and 105 service providers to support survivors of violence. She urged individuals and institutions to donate towards the effective implementation of the 16 Days of Activism initiative, emphasizing that “ending violence against women and girls is possible when we unite and work together”.
The GPRTU Representative, Mr. Godfrey Abugbiri, highlighted the Ministry’s collaboration with the GPRTU to educate drivers and conductors on preventing and reporting domestic violence in public transportation. This partnership is seen as a strategic move to combat gender-based violence in Ghana and to encourage more victims, including male survivors, to report cases to the Ministry.
The 16 Days of Activism campaign will conclude on December 10, 2024, which coincides with Human Rights Day. The Head of the Domestic Violence Secretariat at MoGCSP, Madam Malonin Asibi, urged all citizens and stakeholders to participate actively in the planned activities throughout the campaign.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
