UNFA Engages Nananom on Gender-Based Violence
The United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) has engaged the National House of Chiefs on gender-based violence on Thursday, October 31 at their headquarters in Kumasi.
Addressing Nanamon on the subject matter, the country representative of UNFPA, Dr. Wilfred Ochan, stressed that culture and development are intertwined.
“Let us all know culture and development are intertwined,” he stated.
According to the diplomat, traditional knowledge informs innovative solutions while culture exchange fosters global understanding.
“It is therefore important that we should harness cultural potential by promoting cultural education and awareness of some historical sites and landmarks.”
Dr. Wilfred called on Traditional Authorities to take a critical look at some culture practices to shape the society’s norms and values as they are the custodians of the land.
He indicated that Culture and Traditionally Institutions are the dynamic force for development.
Dr. Ochan elaborated on some culture practices in his Country Uganda which are not useful in modern times while urging Nanamon to embrace culture dynamism to protect people.
“Culture is meant to protect people.”
Dr. Wilfred disclosed that in thier quest to reduce gender-based violence in Ghana they have joined forces with the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs to explore drastic measures to deal with the canker.
Speaking with Opemsuo.com after the discussion, Dr. Ochan indicated that they focuse on child marriage and female genital mutilation.
According to him, they pleaded with Nanamon to play an instrumental role in the quest to minimize or eliminate child marriages, female genital mutilation, and any other form of gender-based violence.
On her part, the Gender Team Lead of UNFPA, Dr. Doris Mawuse, revealed that their motive is to reduce all forms of gender-based violence by 2030 and adolescent girls should be able to fully enjoy their childhood from the risk of getting married.
‘By 2030 we want every child to fully enjoy their childhood from the risk of getting married.”
She indicated that the UNFPA is intensifying their efforts to meet their target.
Furthermore, Dr. Mawuse emphasized that strengthening the system in the country will help the fighting of gender-based violence as far as cultural traditions, policies, and laws are concerned.
Kwame Adu Gyamfi Kumanin
