Fighting Gender-based Violence is Key National Priority – Gender Minister to UN

The Minister of Gender Children and Social Protection, Naa Momo Lartey, has highlighted Ghana’s commitment to fighting and ending gender-based violence.

Addressing the ministerial roundtable at the 69th Session of the United Nations Commission for the Status of Women, she noted that the topic is a national priority.

“Violence against women and girls remains one the most pressing human rights violations, limiting their ability to fully participate in national development. In Ghana, women, girls, persons with disability and elderly are among the most vulnerable groups, making the fight against gender-based violence a key national priority.”

She outlined key interventions by the government in combating violence and supporting victims such as sensitisation programmes, a ten-year strategic plan to end child marriage and the establishment of a Domestic Violence Management Board.

She continued, “The Domestic Violence Victims Support Fund provides direct support to survivors while shelters have been rehabilitated for both child and adult victims of trafficking and domestic violence. The helpline of Hope call centre offers 24/7 crisis intervention and the Orange Support Centre facilitates case management for survivors.”

Additionally, she said Ghana has strengthened social protection programmes such as the Livelihood Empowerment against Poverty Cash transfer programmes and the Ghana School Feeding Programme.

Other interventions in the form of legal frameworks to protect women’s rights were highlighted including the Affirmative Action Act, the National Gender Policy, the Domestic Violence Act, the Human Trafficking Act, the Children’s Act, the Persons with Disability Act, the Ghana National Social Protection Policy and the National Ageing Policy.

Collaboration
Hon Momo Lartey further called for bilateral and multilateral collaboration among global gender ministers to foster the fight for women’s rights.

“We cannot afford to lose momentum in the fight against gender-based violence. If Ministers collaborate and commit resources, we can drive real systemic changes.”

Gender Equality
Meanwhile, she noted that significant strides had been made in implementing the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action by integrating gender equality into national policies and social development programmes.

“The government’s commitment to empowering women and girls remains resolute, recognizing that gender equality is essential for national progress. Through targeted intervention, Ghana continues to advance women’s empowerment and uphold the principles of the Beijing Declaration.”

Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini