Plan International Ghana’s Girls Advocacy Alliance is urging government to do more in the fight against gender-based violence.
Country Director of Plan International Ghana, Solomon Tasfamariam who speaks for the alliance said it was time the fight against the menace is taken to even churches.
“These days, abuse against women have gone beyond domestic and is happening in al sort of places. Some of these abuses of women are also happening in churches by people who call themselves men of God. Such abuses are happening in workplaces as bosses use their superiority to abuse their subjects at work. In fact, sometimes, these actions are by co-workers. There are cases of fathers abusing their daughters sexually. Why should this be so?” Mr. Tasfamariam questioned.
He called on the Gender, Children and Social Protection Ministry to work with the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit of the Ghana Police Service, and judiciary to help stop violence against women.
He was speaking at a media briefing organised by the Girls Advocacy Alliance to mark International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women and the commencement of the United Nation’s 16 days of activism against gender-based violence which runs until December 10.
According to the UN, one in three women and girls experience physical or sexual violence at some point in time in their life.
“Violence against women causes immediate devastating consequences to those affected including physical injuries, mental health problems and poor well-being. But it also has long-term, far-reaching effects, including persistent inequalities between men and women, which limit women and girls’ abilities to fulfil their potential.”
“Those who face sexual abuse, in particular, have longer-term poor physical and mental health, higher risk of contracting HIV and sexually transmitted diseases, and restricted choices in terms of accessing education and jobs. It is also likely that they will have lower levels of education, income and productivity,” Mr. Tasfamariam added.
Citing the recent incident in which a woman was assaulted at Midland Savings and Loans by a policeman and another in Kumasi when boys allegedly gang-raped a lady and filmed it, he asked “what would make a man treat a woman like that? We were all appalled by the situation?”
He lamented many women and girls who suffered sexual abuse and other forms of violence are not getting justice from the legal system.
“Many of the perpetrators of these forms of cruel crime against women and girls are walking freely among us… We welcome the new minister for Gender. We are counting on her to use her office to strengthen various efforts at protecting women from gender-based violence,” he said.
Mr. Tasfamariam also called on government to make adequate budgetary provisions to the Gender, Children and Social Protection Ministry, saying “without resources the protection of women will be a mirage.”
Coordinator of the coalition Barima Akwasi Amankwaah said gender violence has the capacity to destroy the future of the girl child.
“When such abuse happens, it dampens the spirit of girls and make it difficult for them to develop their full potential. Government must step up support for agencies that protect children,” he said.
Project Manager at the Girls Advocacy Alliance Programme Anna Nabere noted that extending education, particularly technical and vocational training to females is crucial to helping ensure they don’t fall prey to abuse.
“What is more encouraging than girls completing school, and then at the end, earn some gainful employment. This will help ensure that they do not become vulnerable and get into challenges like abuse,” she noted.
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