Key Points
- The ministry launched the 2024 campaign to address gender-based violence.
- Reports of violence against women remain troubling and unacceptable.
- Community outreach activities will raise awareness and support gender equality.
The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MGCSP) has launched the 2024 “16 Days of Activism Against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence,” an initiative aimed at eradicating violence against women, children, and marginalized groups in Ghana. The event, held on November 25, 2024, in Accra, highlighted the nation’s continued efforts toward advancing gender equality and combating violence in all forms.
Advocacy Walk and Commitment to Progress
As part of the campaign’s launch, ministry staff and partners, including the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), took to the streets of Accra to advocate against gender-based violence. Speaking at the event, Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection Dakoa Newman emphasized that, despite strides made in addressing gender-based violence, significant challenges remain.
“The theme for this year, ’30 Years After The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls in Ghana,’ reflects the urgency to assess our progress and the work that lies ahead,” Newman said. She called for collective action, noting that gender-based violence remains a major obstacle to achieving gender equality in Ghana.
Addressing Troubling Trends
According to a report by Ghana Web, the minister expressed deep concern over reports of women being killed in their matrimonial homes and public spaces, describing these incidents as unacceptable and demanding immediate action.
“Gender-based violence violates fundamental human rights and weakens national developmental goals. It affects the health, psychological well-being, and emotional stability of survivors, undermining societal progress,” she stated.
To combat this menace, Newman outlined plans for community sensitization activities in the Central, Eastern, and Greater Accra Regions. The ministry also pledged to participate in UNFPA-led programs to bolster the campaign’s impact.
Acknowledging Collaborative Efforts
Dakoa Newman, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Okaikwei South, commended the contributions of key partners, including UNFPA and UNICEF, in supporting the initiative. She urged stakeholders, decision-makers, and citizens to reflect on commitments made at the 1995 Beijing Conference and work together to eliminate violence against women and girls.
The 16 Days of Activism initiative underscores the critical need for ongoing advocacy, education, and action to ensure a safer and more equitable society for all.
