The Gender Desk Officer, in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development and the Ghana Health Service, held a radio sensitization program to educate citizens on Sexual and Gender-based Violence (SGBV) and Child Marriage. The program aimed to enhance knowledge about these issues, help citizens identify different types of gender-based violence, gain support for prevention and response, and promote existing platforms for support.
The program discussed various types of violence, including psychological, economic, sexual, and physical abuse. It also highlighted the negative consequences of these practices, such as miscarriage, unwanted pregnancy, unsafe abortion, sexually transmitted infections, menstrual disorders, and gynecological disorders.
The Social Welfare Officer highlighted the multifaceted drivers of SGBV and Child Marriage, which are linked to gender inequality, poverty, social norms, and cultural and traditional practices. He urged everyone to join the fight against these issues in Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality and Ghana at large.
Challenges faced by the program include inadequate funding, low participation of women in decision-making processes, literacy disparities, and socio-cultural stereotypes. Recommendations include providing sufficient budget for gender mainstreaming activities, periodic training of gender focal persons, increasing programs on women’s participation in decision-making, and eliminating gender stereotypes through constant sensitization and advocacy.
In conclusion, while women make up over half of the world’s population, their contribution to economic activity, growth, and well-being is far below its potential. Recognizing the importance of gender equity for sustainable development is crucial, and coordinated multi-sectoral intervention by all stakeholders is necessary to achieve SDG 5 – Gender Equality.