By Edith Atiaka Eshun
The Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, says a coordinated approach is essential in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) and sexual harassment.
She noted that domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is a grave violation of human rights that impedes Ghana’s development and undermines progress in ECOWAS member states.
Dr Lartey made the remarks at the opening of a four-day national workshop in Accra, organised in collaboration with the ECOWAS Gender Development Centre (EGDC). The workshop aims to strengthen efforts against GBV and bolster the capacity of key sectors to prevent and respond through enhanced knowledge, skills and coordination. Participants include representatives from the judiciary, health and social sectors.
She highlighted that while women and girls remain among the most vulnerable groups, alongside people living with disabilities and the elderly, any acts of violence further compound their vulnerability and negatively affect their development.
Dr Lartey said the government, under President Mahama, has demonstrated its commitment through interventions to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment by mainstreaming gender concerns into national socio-economic development.
She cited the Domestic Violence Fund as one such intervention, supporting victims with resources to access medical care and pursue legal action against perpetrators. However, she stressed that stigmatization of victims remains a major obstacle, urging society to “name and shame perpetrators” rather than victimising survivors twice.
In a speech read on her behalf, the Director of the ECOWAS Gender Development Centre, Sandra Oulaté Fattoh, emphasised the critical role of capacity-building in eradicating GBV. She called for solidarity with victims and a stronger commitment to creating a just and egalitarian society.
The four-day training highlights the need for a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach involving judicial, health and social service providers working together to address gender-based violence effectively.
