Amnesty International Ghana Joined the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection and other development partners (OXFAM, UNFPA, SONTAABA) to launch the Global Campaign in commemoration of eliminating violence against women dubbed “16 Days of Activism” Against Women in Tamale on Saturday November 25, 2023.
The event took place at the Jubilee Park in Tamale, Northern Region’s capital under the theme “UNiTE! Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls.”
Commencing with a walk-through key streets in Tamale, the campaign aimed to raise awareness about the pervasive issue of violence against women globally. Global statistics reveal that one in three women has been or is affected by gender violence, emphasizing the urgent need for advocacy and the end of any form of abuse against women in Ghana.
Distinguished representatives from various organisations attended the event, including Genevieve Partington, the Country Director for Amnesty International Ghana, Hon. Lariba Zuweira Abudu, the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Shani Alhassan Saibu, the Northern Regional Minister, Dr. Wilfred Ochan, the Country Representative for UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) Ghana, Hajia Alima Sagito Saeed, the Executive Director of the Savannah Women Integrated Development Agency (SWIDA-GH), and Hajia Lamnatu Adam, the Executive Director of Songtaba.
Ending violence against women in Ghana is long overdue
Genevieve Partington, Country Director, Amnesty International Ghana
During the event, Hon. Shani Alhassan Saibu underscored the importance of protecting women’s rights and called for an end to violence against women, particularly in the Northern Region. He reaffirmed his commitment to working towards criminalizing violence against women.
Hon. Lariba Abudu, the Gender Minister, echoed the Northern Regional Minister’s points, emphasizing the necessity of formulating gender sensitive policies to combat sexual and gender-based violence. She advocated for the expedited drafting of the Domestic Violence Act to hold perpetuators accountable. Additionally, she educated women on the steps to take when they or someone they know is abused, stressing the importance of breaking the silence on gender-based violence. The minister then officially launched the 16 Days of Activism campaign.
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence is an annual international campaign observed worldwide to raise awareness about violence against women and advocate for its eradication. Amnesty International Ghana collaborates with various stakeholders each year to draw attention to this critical issue. AI Ghana is committed to protecting all rights, especially those of women and we remain steadfast in maintaining public awareness to hold perpetuators accountable.