Violence against women, children said to remain

Violence against women and children would continue to remain the dark side of society’s life if state and non-state agencies fail to tackle the root causes of gender-based violence.

Global statistics indicate that six out of 10 women experience some form of physical or sexual violence in their lifetime.

Mr. Jonas Tia, Girl Power Project Coordinator, stated this during the 16 days of activism against violence against women organized by the Sissala Literacy and Development Programme (SILDEP) and Plan Ghana at Jeffisi in the Sissala West District of the Upper West Region.

He identified patriarchy, social inequalities and gender stereotyping as some of the root causes of violence against women in Ghana.

Mr. Tia said though many efforts had been made by both state and non-state agencies to eliminate violence against women, violence continued to manifest itself in harmful cultural practices including abuse during pregnancy, spousal murder, psychological and physical violence among others.

He said improving women’s access to the justice system and to legal aid was vital and must be a top priority for action by governments and their partners so that women the world over could have their rights to safety and security guaranteed.

Mr. Tia said eliminating violence against women and girls requires: improving their social, economic and political empowerment; increasing awareness of rights; improving education; having sufficient women in decision-making positions; economic autonomy; and transforming social norms.

Additionally there should be continuous sensitization and awareness creation; psycho-social support; financial support; alternative dispute resolution efforts; establishment of community response systems; and community participation to increase awareness and sustainability of efforts to reduce violence.

Source: GNA