Over the years, sexual and domestic violence have remained a pressing issue in Ghana; one that requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach.
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) such as child marriage, domestic violence and rape against women and young girls has been allowed to escalate to epidemic proportions. Today, one in three women worldwide experience gender-based violence, suffering the stigma, while offenders commit these acts with impunity.
In Ghana, approximately 94% of children between the ages of one and fourteen are said to have experienced one form of gender-based violence. Over 48% of Ghanaian women and girls have been sexually abused.
A lot of women face barriers in reporting domestic violence. These obstacles are rooted in cultural beliefs, and that domestic and sexual violence are private matters that should be addressed at home.
A public health report shows that 33 to 37 percent of women in Ghana have experienced physical, sexual and emotional violence from their partners in the course of their relationships.
Girls are also victims of sexual abuse, and 52 percent have experienced gender-based violence. The situation can get worse as most of these girls do not report these crimes for fear of reprisal.
To help address this, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has organised a two-day training session for selected women leaders in the Tamale Metropolis to serve as paralegals, so as to educate women traders and other people on domestic and sexual violence, and the sanctions that come with it.
In the fight to address this sexual and gender-based violence issue, women trained as paralegals have emerged as crucial agents of change.
The paralegals were made up of leaders of the Aboabo Market in Tamale and surrounding communities to educate traders and other people about domestic and sexual violence, and to help victims to consult the right channels with their problems in order to get the requisite legal, psychological, and social support.
The paralegals were taken through topics such as Sexual Abuse, Domestic Violence, Child Labor, Verbal Abuse, Rights of Males and Females and Right to Property.
The Chronicle commends the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection for its commitment to empowering women and creating a safer society for all. The training represents a significant step towards ensuring justice and support for survivors of sexual and domestic violence.
By equipping women with legal knowledge, these programs empower them to assist survivors in navigating the complex legal processes. With their acquired expertise, the women paralegals will ensure that the women and girls understand their rights, enabling them to make informed decisions and pursue legal remedies.
In a society where cultural norms and taboos often hinder women from speaking openly about their experiences and are forced to seek solace outside of the criminal justice system, the presence of women paralegals offer a safe and empathetic space to seek justice and healing.
The women paralegals are trained to provide emotional support and share their experiences without judgment or fear. Their empathy and understanding foster trust and encourage victims and survivors to seek justice and rebuild their lives.
By lending a compassionate ear, these paralegals empower survivors to reclaim their voice, strengthening their resolve to end the cycle of violence.
The Chronicle also believes that engaging directly with community members women paralegals foster a collective responsibility to prevent violence, creating a safer environment for all. Survivors of sexual and domestic violence often face immense stigma and shame, making it difficult for them to come forward and seek help, especially from men.
Women paralegals, with their deep understanding of the cultural context and the challenges faced by women in Ghana, provide a crucial bridge. They create an environment where survivors feel comfortable to share their problems with their fellow women.
It is in this light that The Chronicle pleads with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection to extend this initiative to other regions of the country and also advise women and girls to make use of this opportunity and report all gender violence related issues to the appropriate channels.
