Today marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against women. It also marks the beginning of the 16 days of activism against sexual and gender based violence. The 16 days of activism is a global campaign which starts today through to 10th December when we mark the international Human Rights Day.
Why is this important?
Since 1991, people and groups all across the world have used the 16 days of activism to demand the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.
Remember the global ‘Me Too’ movement five years ago? It highlighted the cruel extent of violence against women and girls, it amplified and emboldened victims of sexual and gender based violence.
The story is that,
More than 1 in 3 women experience gender based violence during their lifetime.
Nearly 1 in 5 women aged 20-24 were married before turning 18.
Less than 40 per cent of women who experience violence seek help of any sort.
For us at FOSDA, sexual and gender Based violence is a Human Security issue especially for women. It thwarts and threatens the personal, health and even economic security of women.
It falls under the Prevention and Protection pillars of the Ghana National Action Plan on the UN Security Resolution 1325 of women peace and security.
The WPS agenda means protecting women and girls everywhere. It also aligns with appreciating equality and non-discrimination in our community.
We work to protect women from all forms of violence in and out of conflict. The personal security of women is important to their general well being and their contribution development. We must safeguard women from all types of violence in accordance with the women’s peace and security agenda. Freedom from violence is a basic human right.
We join this global movement on 16 Days of Activism to raise awareness about gender-based violence, confront prejudice, and demand better policies and services to end violence against women.
Today as we launch our activities for the 16 days of activism, we call on Government of Ghana and Africa to show commitment to the implementation of the national action plan on 1325. We need to invest in the education and protection of women to end sexual and gender based violence in Ghana and in Africa.
We must also adopt the Gender Transformative Education approach to education to empower our girls and our communities to end gender based violence.
Within these 16 days, we will campaign, we will educate and sensitize individuals and communities against sexual and gender based violence. Most importantly, we will engage both men and women to demand and propose solutions that will contribute to ending sexual and gender based violence against women. Follow us, join us and let us do this together.
Watch Video statement here: https://youtu.be/e8NJZUQCEXM
Theodora Williams-Anti, 2022
Executive Director, FOSDA