Tano north: MIHOSO International Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) with support from the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), has launched the implementation of a Sexual Gender-based Violence (SGBV) campaign in the Tano North Municipality of the Ahafo Region. The project aims to address the increasing issue of domestic violence within the Municipality over a seven-month period.
According to Ghana News Agency, the foundation, which focuses on improving the wellbeing of vulnerable communities, emphasized that the project titled ‘Rise up: Uniting Communities to Prevent SGBV Against Women and Girls in Bono East and Ahafo Regions’ will be executed across 10 communities. Mr. Godfred Tabanye Wuliyeng, the Head of Programmes at MIHOSO, explained at the project launch in Koforidua, near Duayaw-Nkwanta, that the campaign will focus on public education and awareness of SGBV in local communities including Yamfo, Bomaa, Susuanso, Tanoso, Techire, Adrobaa, Afrisipakrom, and Subonpang. He urged stakeholders to support the campaign for effective outcomes.
The SGBV project aims to promote gender equality and human rights while combating SGBV through gender transformative approaches. This strategy seeks to encourage social reflection on the causes and effects of SGBV and discrimination on survivors. The launch event was attended by various stakeholders, including chiefs, queens, representatives from the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU), the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), religious organizations, and media representatives, all of whom pledged their support for the project.
Madam Angelina Aboagyewaa Appiah, Tano North Municipal Director of Social Welfare and Community Development, highlighted the rising cases of SGBV, noting that underreporting remains a significant challenge due to societal stigma. She pointed out that belief systems and poverty contribute to issues like transactional sex, child marriage, and teenage pregnancy, urging stakeholders to help address these problems.
Mr. Victor Osei, the Tano North Municipal Director of CHRAJ, stressed that human rights are entitlements, not privileges, and called for increased public education on SGBV. He emphasized that education would empower potential victims and advocated for the prosecution of offenders.
Chief Inspector Dorothy Dadzie, Tano North Municipal Coordinator of DOVVSU, expressed concern about the interference of traditional and religious leaders in legal processes, which hinders the prosecution of SGBV cases. She appealed to these leaders to allow the law to take its course and deter future offenses. C/Insp Dadzie also urged stakeholders to combat the stigmatization of victims and their families.