UNFPA joins forces with GPRTU to fight gender-based violence

To mark the 2024 edition of 16 days of activism against gender-based violence in Ghana, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has joined forces with the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Gender Ministry to unite against violence within the transport system of the country.

Violence comes in various forms, there is the verbal, physical, financial, psychological, emotional and others. While we mark 16 days of activism against gender-based violence against women and girls, we explore the numerous stories of hawkers and drivers in the transport system of Accra.

Rose narrated that, “while selling drinks in Koforidua, a customer asked about the price, and when I told them, they insulted me and insulted my husband too. This kind of insult happens often in this job.”

“When I was new to the job, I often argued with passengers when they upset me. But now that I understand the role better and I know I have a future in it. I’ve learned to be more patient no matter how they misbehave.” A trotro conductor said.

The launch was characterised by a unique approach as it took place at a public transport station in Accra. This setting allowed for meaningful interactions with drivers, hawkers, conductors and passengers about the issue of violence.

The UN resident coordinator in Ghana, Mr Charles Abani praised the initiative as innovative.

“16 routes, 16 stations and partnership with UNFPA and GPRTU is a powerful example of this innovation. It will reach millions of Ghanaians if not every Ghanaians. Through this humble motor parks we have across the country, and the vehicles crisscrossing this great country, we will be able to share this message widely,” he said.

For UNFPA, partnering with GPRTU for this year’s commemoration aims to engage directly with the community.

“This time around, we needed to reach the ordinary person in their daily lives with the messages on preventing and supporting gender-based violence.” Dr Wilfred Ochan, Country Representative of UNFPA stated.

“We’ve been doing this for the past 30 years after the Beijing platform but this time, the difference is, we are actually taking it to the populace.” Dr. Doris Mawuse Aglobitse said.

Present at the event was the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection who highlighted the Ministry’s achievements in addressing gender-based violence in the country.

The Ministry of Gender in collaboration with UNFPA established the orange support centre. This centre provides critical services and operates a toll-free line which is “0800111222″.

The Domestic Violence Centre of Accra has also been renovated and will be operational by the end of this year.

Join the bus, stop the violence-pop

The post UNFPA joins forces with GPRTU to fight gender-based violence first appeared on 3News.

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