Ghanaian Leaders Call for Sustained Efforts Against Gender-Based Violence.

Accra: Dr. Sarah Baffoe, a prominent member of the Committee on Women Facing Crises of the International Federation of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (FIGO), has commended numerous households for ending indiscriminate violence and abuse against children, particularly girls. She also expressed appreciation for the efforts of Ghanaian parents and teachers in educating children to be aware of human rights violations. However, Dr. Baffoe expressed concern over the persistent cases of spousal and other gender-based violence reported daily to hospitals and the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVSU).According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Baffoe highlighted that these abuses, predominantly targeting women and girls, hinder the nation's progress towards achieving sustainable development goals and an equitable society. She addressed these issues during an interview at a conference titled 'Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls,' which was part of the 16 days of activism on violence against women and girls. Dr. Baffoe urged men to use their strength to support women, thereby fostering social development and inclusive growth, rather than directing violence towards them.Dr. Nana Esi Gaisie-Tetteh, a child development expert, shared alarming statistics that approximately 38 percent of women globally are murdered by intimate partners. She identified patriarchy, social norms, stereotypes, conflicts, and instability as significant contributors to preventable violence. Dr. Gaisie-Tetteh called for policies and laws that promote prevention and protection against violence to break the generational cycle of abuse.Mrs. Vida Oppong Badu, the Western Regional Clinical Psychologist, emphasized that intimate partner violence is widespread and results in severe psychological effects such as nightmares, depression, anxiety disorders, low self-esteem, chronic stress, strokes, and suicidal thoughts. She advised women to acquire self-defense skills, maintain a network of confidants for quick assistance, and plan an e scape from abusive situations before they escalate.Mr. Ato Amissah Assan, a mediator with Legal Aid, advocated for the passage of the Property Rights of Spouses Bill to empower women to make bold decisions when facing abuse. He also stressed the need for proper training of personnel involved in handling abuse cases to ensure victims recover adequately and reintegrate into society successfully.