Sheila Minka-Premo, the Founding Consultant of Apex Lawconsult, has called for intensified collaborations among government institutions, non-governmental organizations, and community stakeholders to effectively address gender-based violence in Ghana. Speaking at the Women Speak event organized by the European Union in Ghana on November 27, she emphasized the urgent need for decisive actions to combat violence against women and girls.
The event, held under the theme “Beyond Beijing+30: Addressing Gender-Based Violence and Promoting Women’s Rights,” served as a platform for addressing the persistent issue of gender-based violence in Ghana. In her keynote address, Minka-Premo highlighted the devastating impact of this menace, stressing its far-reaching consequences on individuals, families, and the larger society.
She pointed out that gender-based violence is deeply entrenched in societal structures and cultural norms, making it a complex issue that requires multi-faceted interventions. According to her, addressing the root causes of this violence is crucial to ensuring sustainable solutions.
“There is a need to address the root causes of gender-based violence,” she stated. “It is rooted in deep societal issues, including entrenched gender inequalities, harmful cultural norms, and power imbalances, which are often deeply embedded in the systems and practices of our society.”
Minka-Premo noted that transforming societal attitudes that condone violence is imperative. She advocated for continuous education, advocacy, and punitive actions to dismantle systems of discrimination and foster respect for human rights. A key aspect of her recommendations included drastic enforcement of Ghana’s existing laws to hold perpetrators accountable and provide justice for survivors.
“Transforming societal attitudes that condone violence as well as dismantling systems that perpetuate discrimination is vital. This requires continuous education, advocacy, accountability, and punitive actions. Additionally, promoting respect for human rights through the effective enforcement of laws is non-negotiable,” she remarked.
The gender activist also underscored the importance of collaborative approaches in the fight against gender-based violence. She called on government agencies, private organizations, and community leaders to work together to strengthen the implementation of laws and provide comprehensive support systems for survivors. This, she explained, would ensure not just protection for victims but also a robust preventive mechanism to curb future occurrences.
“Government institutions and organizations must work together to ensure the enforcement of laws that protect survivors of gender-based violence,” she emphasized. “This collaboration should extend to community stakeholders who play a crucial role in shaping societal attitudes and offering support to victims.”
Addressing the challenges faced by survivors, Minka-Premo pointed out the lack of accessible support systems and the stigma often associated with speaking out. She urged policymakers to prioritize resources for shelters, counseling services, and legal assistance for survivors. Additionally, she stressed the need for awareness campaigns to educate communities about the importance of gender equality and the detrimental effects of violence against women.
The Women Speak event brought together stakeholders from various sectors, including legal experts, civil society representatives, and community leaders. Discussions centered on how to break the cycle of violence and promote gender equality in Ghana. Participants shared insights on successful interventions and highlighted the need for continuous dialogue and action.
Minka-Premo’s remarks come at a time when reports of gender-based violence remain alarmingly high in Ghana. Despite significant progress in advocating for women’s rights, many cases go unreported due to fear of retribution and societal stigma. The activist urged the government to invest in data collection and analysis to better understand the scope of the problem and develop targeted interventions.
“Understanding the extent of gender-based violence is critical for addressing it effectively,” she said. “Data helps us identify trends, allocate resources, and evaluate the impact of our interventions.”
As the session concluded, attendees reiterated the importance of a collective commitment to addressing gender-based violence. They called on individuals, families, and institutions to take responsibility for fostering a culture of respect and equality. The event underscored the need for sustained efforts and a unified approach to ensure that women and girls can live free from violence and discrimination.
In her final remarks, Minka-Premo reminded participants that ending gender-based violence is not just a women’s issue but a societal imperative. “This fight is about creating a better society for everyone,” she concluded. “When we eliminate violence against women, we build stronger communities, healthier families, and a brighter future for all.”
The Women Speak event served as a reminder that the journey toward gender equality requires unwavering commitment and action from all sectors of society. Through collaborative efforts, the vision of a world free from violence against women can become a reality.
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