Diabene (WR), July 31, GNA – Madam Maribel Akuorkor Okine, the Western Regional Director for the Department of Gender says unequal gender relations and societal norms continued to perpetuate violence and discrimination in communities.
“As we work to address Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in the Western Region, we recognize that GBV is rooted in unequal gender relations and societal norms that perpetuate violence and discrimination,” she stressed.
The Western Regional Director for Gender was speaking at the launch of the “Breaking the Silence Project” spearheaded by the GIZ and undertaken by HURDS, an NGO in the Western Region.
The GBV affected individuals of all genders, including men, women, and children, a critical issue that required a collective response.
The Domestic Violence Act (DV Act) of 2007 had been a crucial step in addressing GBV, and we appreciate the ongoing review of the Act and its implementation to make it more effective, the Gender Director acted.
The Break the Silence project, implemented by HURDS with support from GIZ, aimed to prompt social reflection on the impact of GBV and discrimination in the Region.
She said, “We should hold perpetrators accountable by ensuring diligent prosecution and elimination of legal loopholes that allow GBV cases to go unpunished.”
Madam Eva Ankrah, the Executive Director of HURDS said the seven months project would promote awareness and education on SGBV, provide support to survivors, and encouraged community members to take an active role in preventing SGBV.
She thus called on all stakeholders to support the implementation to achieve a nondiscriminatory and transformational society where rights of all individuals were respected.
The GIZ (S(HE) projects focused on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), to promote the well-being and rights of women and girls.
It also involves strengthening civil society organizations, raising awareness, and improving access to healthcare services. It also involves strengthening civil society organizations, raising awareness, and improving access to healthcare services.