By: Akosua Frema Frempong
A significant step towards combating Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Ghana has been taken with the launch of a new campaign in the Bosomtwe District of the Ashanti Region. The Rights and Responsibilities Initiative Ghana RRIG, in collaboration with GIZ, is spearheading this vital project, aiming to reduce the incidence of SGBV by 25% in five key communities: Kuntunase, Abono, Piase, Mim, and Asisiriwa.
This six-month campaign is part of GIZ’s broader “Support to Human Rights, Gender, and Civil Society in Ghana” initiative. It focuses on a holistic approach, encompassing prevention efforts and crucial rehabilitation services for survivors.
During the launch, a legal practitioner, Mrs. Theresa Abrafi Appiagyei-Dedu shed light on the diverse forms of SGBV, which include intimate partner violence, sexual abuse, psychological abuse, child marriage, and harmful traditional practices. These acts, she noted, are disturbingly prevalent in homes, schools, workplaces, and even digital spaces.
“Global statistics paint a grim picture, with one in three women subjected to physical or sexual intimate partner violence. There is a shocking reality that, in 2023 alone, over 51,000 women and girls worldwide were killed by intimate partners or family members, averaging 140 deaths daily”, Mrs Appiagyei-Dedu revealed.
“While Ghana has made commendable strides in establishing laws to govern SGBV, including Article 17 of the 1992 constitution guaranteeing equality before the law and prohibiting gender discrimination, challenges persist. Furthermore, barriers such as fear of criticism, harassment, prejudice, negative mindsets towards women’s empowerment, inadequate support, and limited resources as factors preventing people from accessing justice”, Mrs. Appiagyei-Dedu highlighted.
SGBV carries severe consequences for individuals, families, and communities, leading to psychological trauma, hindering personal growth, depression, anxiety disorders, sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancies, and even loss of lives.
A GIZ representative on the SHE Project urged all stakeholders to collaborate and take ownership of the project to drastically reduce this societal “canker.” She emphasized the need to “be intentional to be consistent about raising their voices to campaign against sexual and gender-based violence and bring perpetrators to book”, Madam Patience Agyari-Kwabi urged.
The project will work closely with civil society organizations to provide counselling and protective services for SGBV victims, alongside improving access to information about sexual and maternal health rights.
The Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit, DOVVSU, Coordinator at Bosomtwe District, DSP Josephine Mensah affirmed that, DOVVSU’s work is backed by law and that the office will continue its public education efforts on its mandate to protect and support survivors.
“However, DSP Mensah also highlighted a troubling trend that, complainants in defilement or rape cases often fail to return to the police station with doctor’s reports or provide wrong contact information to avoid being traced. She warned that such practices violate the law and must cease.
Launching the project, the Chief Executive of Rights and Responsibilities Initiatives Ghana, RRIG, Mrs Aba Oppong, explained that the overarching goal is to reduce SGBV through collaboration with key community stakeholders and state institutions involved in the prevention, response, and sanctioning of such acts.
“The six-month campaign will employ a holistic approach, incorporating digital and analogue campaign messaging, media advocacy, legal and psychological referral pathways, and the use of ‘combat teams’ to ensure sustainability”, Mrs Oppong disclosed.
Among its key objectives are raising awareness about the impact and consequences of SGBV, promoting collective action to prevent SGBV at the community level, and strengthening the role of duty-bearers and institutions in response and prevention.
The campaign against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) by Rights and Responsibilities Initiatives Ghana (RRIG), in collaboration with GIZ in Bosomtwe, has significant potential for a positive impact on the targeted communities.
They are increasing awareness and understanding of SGBV, promoting collective action and community ownership, improving reporting and access to justice, enhancing support and rehabilitation for survivors and long-term reduction in SGBV Incidence.
Overall, the campaign has the potential to be a transformative force in the Bosomtwe District, leading to safer communities, increased reporting, better support for survivors, and a gradual shift in societal attitudes towards SGBV.
The launch witnessed a strong turnout of stakeholders, including religious leaders, traditional leaders, representatives from DOVVSU, NCCE, Bosomtwe District Assembly, information centre managers, women’s groups, and apprentices, all signifying a collective commitment to tackling this pervasive issue.
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