AngloGold Ashanti Climaxes Gender-Based Violence Activism with Symposium
AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine, in collaboration with its partners, has intensified efforts to combat gender-based violence (GBV) by marking the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign.
This annual campaign, observed from November 25 to December 10, seeks to raise awareness and advocate for the protection and support of GBV victims.
As part of its commitment, AngloGold Ashanti conducted a comprehensive media sensitisation campaign and held engagements with professional groups to address GBV in the workplace and surrounding communities.
The campaign culminated in a symposium attended by clergy, traditional leaders, political figures, women groups, interest groups, and employees of AngloGold Ashanti and its partners, including the Underground Mining Alliance (UMA), Veolia Ghana, and Epiroc Ghana.
Speaking at the event, Edmund Oduro Agyei, Community Relations Manager of AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine, emphasised the need for a holistic approach to combating GBV. He described all forms of violence as human rights violations that transcend gender boundaries.
He highlighted the company’s zero-tolerance policy, which ensures employees are aware of their rights and encourages reporting of misconduct through confidential mechanisms without fear of victimisation.
“Our zero-tolerance policy against any form of gender-based violence ensures that all employees are aware of their rights and responsibilities and encourages them to report any instances of misconduct through our established confidential reporting mechanisms, without fear of being victimized.”
The Ashanti sub-Regional Director of the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Samuel Asante-Yeboah, also highlighted that men and boys can be victims of GBV, including physical, sexual, psychological, and emotional abuse. He noted that their experiences are often trivialised and urged men to speak out and support efforts to combat GBV.
Speakers at the symposium criticised societal attitudes and myths that perpetuate GBV and called for collective action to eradicate the issue. AngloGold Ashanti and its partners reaffirmed their commitment to fostering safer communities and workplaces through continued education, advocacy, and support for victims.
Story by Johnson Owusu Aduomi
