Kumbungu: Hajia Fati Seidu Tambro, Executive Director of Sung Foundation, an NGO, has urged traditional leaders to support policies and organisations that promote women's rights and protect against gender-based violence. She stressed the importance of opinion leaders in society supporting government efforts to raise awareness by speaking out against gender-based violence and discrimination against women and girls.
According to Ghana News Agency, Hajia Tambro made these remarks at an awareness forum on gender-based violence and gender equality. The event, held as part of this year's International Women's Day celebration in Kumbungu in the Northern Region, was organised by Sung Foundation and sponsored by African Women Development Fund. The forum aimed to educate the community on the significance of preventing gender-based violence and promoting gender equality.
Hajia Tambro highlighted that gender-based violence is a widespread issue affecting millions of women and girls worldwide, with a significant impact in Africa. She explained that it manifests in various forms such as domestic violence, sexual assault, child marriage, human trafficking, and harmful traditional practices. She pointed out that the silence surrounding these issues has allowed them to persist.
She further stated, "Every time we ignore abuse, we perpetuate a cycle of oppression. Every time we hesitate to speak out, we let injustice win." She called on participants to recognize their collective responsibility not only to support survivors but also to challenge societal norms and systems that enable such violence.
Miss Adam Shafawu, Gender and Governance Officer at Sung Foundation, also addressed the forum, advising parents to teach their children good moral behavior and gender equality at home.
