16 Days of Activism Campaign Highlights the Capacity for Change
Accra, Ghana – As part of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) campaign this year, the U.S. Embassy in Ghana focused on highlighting the problem of Gender-Based Violence and elevated the stories of those that are fighting to end it. While the 16 Days campaign ends tomorrow, the global and United States’ effort to end GBV, empower women, and hold perpetrators accountable continues.
“Gender-Based Violence threatens lives, undermines families and communities, and impedes development. Ghana will not reach its human development goals without the participation of every individual,” said Deputy Chief of Mission Nicole Chulick.
Preventing gender-based violence and its economic, social, and family consequences is a major part of U.S. foreign policy. In 2021, the U.S. Embassy named 16 champions focused on ending GBV. This year, those champions continued their work as outspoken advocates for women’s rights and justice for survivors of GBV.
U.S. Embassy staff and leadership at all levels participated in the 16 Days campaign this year. Ambassador Palmer Ghana Police Service’s Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) “One-Stop Center” and donated sexual assault examination kits and DNA reagents, chemicals, and supplies. These essential items will help the Ghana Police Service prosecute perpetrators and support survivors of gender-based violence.
Deputy Chief of Mission Nicole Chulick visited the American Corner Agbobga yesterday to participate in a panel discussion as part of the “Shifting Blame” series. Assistant Commissioner of the Ghana Police Service Patience Quaye and activist Bashiratu Kamal led the panel discussion focused on ending Gender-Based Violence and empower young people with the tools to prevent it.
Earlier this week in Keta, Volta Region, USAID Ghana Economic Growth Director Paul Pleva joined the Fisheries Commission and local partners for a Grand Durbar to increase public awareness and galvanize support for addressing GBV in fishing communities. The Durbar reflects the U.S. Government’s ongoing investment to support Ghana’s fisheries communities through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Ghana Fisheries Recovery Activity (GFRA), and in support of the National Gender Mainstreaming Strategy for Fisheries in Ghana.
Tomorrow, on Human Rights Day, the United States, the Ghana Armed Forces, Bole District Officials, Savannah Regional Peace Council, and other local civil society organizations will conduct a Medical Outreach event in Bole, Savannah Region. The event reflects the United States’ Women, Peace, and Security framework. The event will support the Ghanaian Armed Forces in build relationships and trust with local communities, local government, and local civil society organizations. Positive relationships between communities and the military are critical to ensure peace and security.
Reflecting the United States’ commitment to partnership and opportunity for women in the armed forces, there are four Ghanaian Armed Forces (GAF) women currently attending training in the United States, including one senior GAF Officer attending the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, California. Such investments further advance efforts to elevate women leaders and increase their opportunities for success and improved standing in society, thereby corroding some of the systemic causes of GBV.
In Ghana, as it is worldwide, gender-based violence is a pandemic that affects 1 in 3 women in their lifetime. Throughout the coming year, the United States will continue to highlight the vital work taking place across Ghana to end Gender-Based Violence.
If You or Someone You Know Is in Crisis and Needs Immediate Help, Call the DOVVSU HELPLINE 0800-000-900.
