Global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Observed in Kadjebi
ActionAid Ghana, in collaboration with the Network of Communities In Development (NOCID), a local NGO, recently commemorated this year’s Global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence in Kadjebi, Oti Region. The event focused on the theme: “Towards Beijing +30: Revolting against Structural Violence | Unite to End Violence against Women and Girls.”
Uniting for Change
During the gathering, Madam Agnes Afua Obour, NOCID Co-ordinator, emphasized the importance of unity in the fight against violence directed at women and girls. She conveyed that both NOCID and ActionAid are committed to eradicating such violence, which is deeply rooted in societal structures.
Call for Transformative Action
Madam Obour highlighted that addressing gender-based violence requires significant structural changes and must engage various movements and issues. She expressed a commitment to amplifying diverse voices advocating for urgent action and accountability to prevent such violence. This aligns with the goals outlined in the Beijing Platform for Action, which emphasizes raising awareness about gender-based violence as a pressing global issue.
Mobilizing for Justice
Through the Global 16 Days of Activism, NOCID aims to mobilize efforts to challenge the intersecting crises related to gender-based violence while promoting a feminist perspective for a just societal transition. The initiative seeks to lift the voices of women and youth actively confronting the causes of such violence.
A Collective Responsibility
Madam Obour urged stakeholders to recognize gender-based violence as a global crisis that should be prioritized in policy-making and action plans, affirming the necessity of a unified response across various sectors, including ecological and climate movements.
Addressing Systemic Issues
Mr. Anthony Ankutse, the Deputy District Co-ordinating Director of Kadjebi, stressed that despite some advancements stemming from the Beijing Declaration, violence against women and girls remains pervasive. He described structural violence as a major contributor to persistent inequalities that discriminate against women in multiple areas of life.
Demanding Change
He urged the community to join forces in resisting these structures that enable violence, advocating for justice and a collective demand to end violence against women and girls.
Legal Standpoint on Violence
Superintendent Frank Nana Asomaning, Kadjebi District Police Commander, reaffirmed that all forms of violence—whether physical, sexual, economic, or emotional—are legally punishable offenses.
Community Involvement in the Fight
Mr. Eric Arthur Fynn, District Director at the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, affirmed that the struggle against gender-based violence is a shared responsibility that requires participation from all community members.
Conclusion
The observance of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence runs annually from November 25 to December 10. This campaign aims to raise awareness about gender-based violence, support survivors, and advocate for effective policies and practices to combat violence against women and girls.
