Elimination Of Violence Against Women

NEWS COMMENTARY ON UN DAY ON THE ELIMINATION OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

Over the years, efforts have been made to eliminate violence against women throughout the world. Unfortunately, discrimination against women still persists in the world today and this is unfortunate. Discrimination against women comes in various forms including disregard for their rights and violence against them. In some countries for example, women, are not given the respect they deserve and also discriminated against along many lines.

Fortunately, the UN as a global body has recognized the problem and encouraging many women to apply for and occupy positions within its system. This is meant to encourage them to change the perception people have against them. In Ghana, the Akufo-Addo administration has appointed many women to play useful roles in his government and as has been pointed out already, all this is being done to change the negative perception about them. About 25 years ago, a progressive road map for gender equality was developed and implemented by the world in the form of Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. Since that time, numerous developments have taken place in various parts of the world, some negative, others positive. What this means is that the world still has a long way to go to encourage women to contribute for the transformation of the world.

The observance of International day on the elimination of violence against Women should not be mere declaration or observation of an event about women but be made in practicable terms to ensure that in all countries discrimination and violence against women in all forms are done away with. We need to fight hard in this regard to bring together people of every gender, age, ethnicity, race, religion and country to drive in a tremendous manner actions that will create the gender-equal world we deserve. This is possible if positive practical steps are taken to ensure that gender-based violence is punished according to law. In a situation where effective laws are not available, the law making institutions will have to be encouraged to as a matter of urgency enact such laws for the protection of women.

The passing of laws to protect women is good but after they have been passed, we need to implement them rigidly to the letter. It is through such means that we can roll out practical steps for economic justice and rights for all while making sure that respect and autonomy for women is guaranteed alongside sexual and reproductive health rights. In all this, all countries must encourage feminist action for climate justice as well as all forms of justice. Needless to say, there must be technology and innovation for gender equality and feminist leadership. Various governments and groups in the world must make it a point to embark on program

mes that are meant to realize the encouragement and enhancement of women’s right in society. To be able to achieve this effectively, women should be encouraged to form groups that will highlight their interest in society and also protect them against discrimination and violence. Such actions can have big impact in making this vision a reality.

At the same time, men must also be sensitized against the plight of women in society so that in all humility and equality, they will help our women to play useful roles. What this means is that, all of us, that is both men and women need to come together to eliminate discrimination and violence against women.

As Ghana joins the rest of the world to call for an end to violence to women, everyone must come together and join in efforts to realize equality for women and everyone in the world. This is how the world can move forward in a positive manner towards equality and happiness in a non-violence world where women can thrive to their fullest potential.

BY DR. KOFI AMPONSAH-BEDIAKO,GHANA STANDARDS AUTHORITY.