AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) Obuasi Mine has joined the United Nations and the rest of the world to observe 16 days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence.The celebration climaxed with a symposium held at the Anyinam Lodge in Obuasi, which was attended by traditional leaders, youth groups, faith-based organisations and religious leaders, among others.
Mr. Edmund Oduro Agyei, Community Relations Manager of AGA noted that “when we think about gender-based violence, we may automatically think women as the primary victims” and stated that men too could be affected and their experiences deserve acknowledgement and understanding.
He called for a holistic approach to discussions on the issue, recognizing that violence in all its forms is a human rights violation that transcends gender boundaries.Mr. Joseph Bernasko, Head of Operations Veolia Gh called for concerted effort to create a culture of zero tolerance for violence.“As we go through this programme, let us carry with us the commitment to unite and invest in preventing gender-based violence”, he said.
Madam Rhoda Aboagye, HR Business Partner, Epiroc urged males to open up and break their silence any time they go through any form of abuse and thanked AGA for leading the discussion on gender-based violence.
In a panel discussion, the MD for AGA Obuasi Mine, Engineer Samuel Pobee, explained that the company has a ‘Speak Up’ policy, which allows victims of any form of harassment to report such incidents without any form of victimization.On his part, Lawyer Samuel Asante-Yeboah of the Obuasi office of CHRAJ said any landlord or landlady who refuses to expose a male tenant who defiles a minor risk being imprisoned for his or her actions.
ASP Mrs. Benedicta Okyere Darko of DOVVSU, Obuasi encouraged persons who suffer any form of marital abuse to feel free to report to her office for support.”Women matter, men too matter. Together we build Ghana and the world. You can’t do it all alone. Come and let’s talk,” she added.
The Adansihemaa, Nana Amonimaa Dede II who graced the occasion thanked AGA for spearheading the fight against gender violence and suggested that gender violence needs to be eradicated from the society.
From Frederick Danso Abeam, Obuasi
