EU rekindles activism against gender-based violence

The European Union Delegation to Ghana has reignited the fight against gender-based violence, urging women to speak out and seek justice when faced with inhumane treatment.

This call to action was made during the “Women Speak” event, which commemorated the ’16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence’ a UN global exercise.

Head of Cooperation, EU Delegation to Ghana, Massimo Mina, stressed that gender-based violence persists as a major barrier to advancing gender equality and empowering women, hence the need for collective efforts in activism to address the challenge.

“As we examine the complexities of gender-based violence, let’s remember that each one of us has a role to play in creating a world free from fear and discrimination. We believe that gender equality is not only a fundamental human right but also essential for achieving sustainable development and prosperity,” he said.

He emphasised the need for strengthening multi-stakeholder collaboration and engaging men and boys to change social norms on sexual and gender-based violence.

The EU Head of Cooperation further emphasised that the EU has committed to promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment through its Gender Action Plan III. By 2027, at least 85 percent of all new external actions will have “gender equality and women’s and girls’ empowerment” as a significant or principal objective.

“The EU Delegation to Ghana has long been committed to promoting this goal through a wide range of initiatives. Our work spans many sectors, including education, economic empowerment, social protection and governance, always with a focus on improving the lives of women and girls,” he added.

Guest speaker, Sheila Minkah-Premo of Apex Lawconsult Ghana, on her part, reiterated the need for collective global action to address gender-based violence.

“As we reflect on the theme for this year, we will have to focus on the need for collective global action to address this canker which is in every country including our own dear country.

“Violence against women is one of the crucial social mechanisms by which women are forced into a subordinate position compared with men so the Beijing Platform for Action emphasizes that these forms of violence must be eradicated to achieve gender equality to empower women and ensure their full participation in all spheres of life.”

She added that acts or threats of violence whether occurring within the home or in the community, perpetrated or condoned by the state instill fear and insecurity in women’s lives and are obstacles to the achievement of equality and for development and peace.

The fear of violence including harassment is a permanent constraint on the mobility of women and limits their access to resources and basic activities, including high social health and economic costs to the individual and society, hence the need to eliminate the menace in society.

The 16 Days Activism Campaign serves as a global platform to raise awareness, inspire action and renew our collective commitment to ending violence against women and girls.

The theme for this year’s event: “Beyond Beijing 30: Addressing Gender-Based Violence and Promoting Women’s Rights” is particularly significant in resharing and driving more energy towards the goals and commitments made by various parties.

Nearly 30 years ago, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action established a comprehensive framework for advancing gender equality and empowering women. While remarkable progress has been made in some areas, gender-based violence persists as a major barrier to achieving these goals.

The post EU rekindles activism against gender-based violence appeared first on The Business & Financial Times.

Read Full Story