Mr. Charles Abani, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Ghana, has urged stakeholders to collaborate in the fight against all forms of gender-based violence.
“The fight against gender-based violence is a shared responsibility. It is not just a fight for the victims. It’s a fight for all of us,” he said.
Mr. Abani made the call on Thursday during a flag-raising ceremony to commemorate 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence in Accra.
The event was organised by the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, together with the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service.
It was on the theme “Recommitment, Accountability, Resourcing towards Being +30: Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls.”
Mr. Abani said that recommitting to the fight against gender-based violence meant translating words into action and ensuring the full implementation and adequate resourcing of national policies such as the Domestic Violence Act and the recently assented-to Affirmative Action Bill.
He praised the Government and the Ministry of Gender for their leadership, particularly in passing the Affirmative Action Bill, which seeks to promote gender equality in decision-making roles.
Mr. Abani stressed that true recommitment required sustained political will, multisectoral partnerships, and active engagement at all levels.
He added that addressing gaps in enforcement was crucial, as the real impact of these measures would only be felt when enforcement was visible and consistent.
Referencing the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey, Mr. Abani noted that one-third of women between the ages of 15 and 49 had experienced physical violence since the age of 15. Additionally, at least three in ten women will experience domestic violence within a 12-month period.
He also pointed out the gender disparity in leadership, noting that women occupied only 25 per cent of board seats in major corporations and just 14.5 per cent of seats in Ghana’s Parliament.
“Violence against women and girls is not only a violation of human rights but also a major barrier to achieving sustainable development.
“It hinders progress in health, education, economic growth, and social cohesion.
“Simply put, a society cannot thrive when half its population—especially the majority women—live in fear and inequality,” he said.
Mr Abani called for continued investment in law enforcement, training resources, and technology to enhance the handling of domestic violence cases.
He also commended various UN agencies like UNICEF, UNFPA, and UN Women for their support in strengthening the response to gender-based violence and urged development partners to continue their investment in these efforts.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Owusuaa Kyeremeh, Director of DOVVSU expressed gratitude for the collaboration between DOVVSU, UN Women, and the United Nations in raising awareness about gender-based violence.
“The essence of this meeting is to start the journey of spreading the message about the need to end gender-based violence in Ghana. We encourage you all to engage and take full participation in the activities of today,” she said.
Miss Peninnah Akuffo, Membership Services Manager, Ghana Employers’ Association (GEA) said despite extensive efforts by stakeholders, violence at workplaces remained a significant issue.
“Gender-based violence at workplaces continues to expose many workers, and we call for full support to eradicate this menace,” she said.
Miss Akuffo said it was in the best interest of employers to create a workplace free from violence and harassment, as this had adverse effects on productivity, performance, and reputation.
She added, “The GEA has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against violence in all forms and encourages all businesses to adopt policies that create respectful and dignified workplaces.”
Miss Akuffo said GEA, in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation had developed a practical guide on violence and harassment in the workplace to assist employers in creating inclusive and safe work environments.
“We stand in solidarity with UN Women and other partners to reaffirm our belief that every individual has the right to live and work free from violence and harassment. As we raise this flag together, it symbolises our commitment to zero tolerance for gender-based violence, especially in the workplace,” she said.
The event concluded with the raising of the orange flag, a symbol of hope, unity, and a brighter future for women and girls.
A float procession through the principal streets of Accra served as a call to action, raising awareness, advocating for greater investments, and encouraging the involvement of workplaces and the private sector in the fight against gender-based violence.
The float also aimed to inspire dialogue, foster action, and build partnerships to end gender-based violence.
GNA