The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection has officially launched the 2025 edition of the global “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” campaign, focusing on ending digital abuse targeting women and girls. The launch took place at the Kaneshie Main Station in Accra, bringing together stakeholders from government, civil society, development partners, and the transport sector.
Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, said the annual campaign, observed from November 25 to December 10, remains a vital platform to raise awareness, strengthen national action, and address both traditional and emerging forms of gender-based violence (GBV).
Citing data from the 2016 Domestic Violence Survey, Dr Lartey noted that 27.7 percent of Ghanaian women had experienced at least one form of domestic violence, while the 2014 Demographic and Health Survey revealed that 32 percent of girls aged 15–24 believed wife-beating could be justified due to entrenched socio-cultural norms.
Speaking on the theme: “Unite! End Digital Violence Against Women and Girls,” she highlighted the rising incidence of online abuse, including cyberbullying, sexual harassment, sextortion, image-based abuse, and digital blackmail. “In an era driven by technology and innovation, digital violence is gaining ground, and women and girls have become frequent targets,” she warned.
Dr Wilfred Ochan, UNFPA Country Representative, emphasised the innovative approach of using transport stations as outreach points. “Transport hubs offer access to millions of commuters, drivers, porters, market women, and young people across all 16 regions,” he said, noting that these spaces provide an opportunity to raise awareness on GBV, digital violence, reproductive health, and family planning.
The campaign, part of a six-year social movement running to 2030, also aims to support the transport sector in developing codes of conduct and reporting mechanisms that promote safety and dignity for women and girls.
Madam Malonin Asibi, Director of the Domestic Violence Secretariat, called GBV one of the most pervasive human rights violations, with serious physical, psychological, and social consequences. She commended UNFPA and the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) for their partnership in amplifying awareness and strengthening access to referral services for survivors.
The launch brought together representatives from UN agencies, civil society organisations, development partners, the transport sector, student groups, and community organisations, underscoring the campaign’s collaborative approach to ending violence against women and girls both online and offline.
