The non-governmental organisation Act for Change, as part of the activities of its project, Transforming Men Movement, held the first edition of the annual “Men’s March for Women’s Rights.”
The march was held on Saturday, November 25, 2023, to raise awareness of SGBV and harmful practices.
The march was organised to raise awareness against sexual and gender-based violence, especially intimate partner violence, domestic violence, rape, and defilement. It forms part of the 16 Days of Action against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), a global campaign commemorated every year from November 25 to December 10.
The participants, wielding placards with different inscriptions, marched through some streets in Gamashie, the Post Office, and Korke-Wonko, among others. Programmes Manager of Act for Change, Samuel Lamptey, speaking to the media, explained that “the Transforming Men Movement project is designed to mobilise and engage men and boys in local communities to challenge societal norms and patriarchal systems and support women in the fight for a just society where all women and girls will have the opportunity to access quality reproductive health services and advocate for equal opportunities for both women and men.”
He indicated that the organisation has been working with men to end violence against women and girls, promote positive masculinity among men and boys, and explore the ideals of fatherhood and caregiving.
He stated that women and girls continue to face discrimination and abuse around the world and that violence is regarded as the most pervasive violation of human rights.
According to global statistics, one in every three women is victimised by violence over her lifetime.
He stated that violence against women and girls not only has a detrimental impact on the lives of women and girls but also destabilises the development of communities and countries.
The NGO was joined by other organisations, including DUNK, CIN GABAN NIMA, SCEF, and WODA and Curious Minds.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has revealed through its preliminary findings from the upcoming 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS) Report that two in every five (41.6%) women aged 15 to 49 who have ever had an intimate partner have experienced at least one form of intimate partner violence (IPV).
According to the report, the violence includes emotional, physical, or sexual violence.
The report also disclosed that 35.2 percent of these women had experienced emotional violence at least once; 22.7 percent had experienced physical violence at least once; and 11.2 percent had experienced sexual violence at least once.
The report also showed that overall, one in every three (33.2%) women aged 15 to 49 years in Ghana had experienced physical violence since age 15 years.
According to the report, 14.1 per cent of women aged 15 to 49 years had experienced sexual violence.
About AFC
Act for Change uses forums, popular theatre, and other participatory methods to advocate for social issues affecting the most vulnerable in communities.
The core working areas are gender equality, sexual and reproductive health and rights, youth empowerment, arts and culture, water, sanitation, and hygiene.
Its mission is to effect behaviour change and improve the quality of life using the tool of forum theatre to communicate social developmental concerns.
By: Rashid Obodai Provencal/Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
