WiLDAF adds voice to end gender-based violence

As the world marks the 22nd celebration of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) on the theme: “From peace in the Home to Peace in the World: Let’s Challenge Militarism and End Violence Against Women”, the Women in Law and Development (WiLDAF) has added its voice to re-echo calls for an end to Violence Against Women (VAW).

The world commemorates 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence from November 25 to December 10 each year, calling for an end to gender-based violence, and this year marks the third year of global advocacy on the intersections of gender-based violence and militarism on a global theme.

The campaign period is a reminder of the many horrific acts of violence that take place every day around the world, especially against girls and women. It is also to pledge and recommit to changing attitudes and ending all forms of violence against girls and women who constitute the majority of those abused.

Global picture

Gender-based violence is a global pandemic that cuts across all borders and impacts all people and societies, regardless of ethnicity, race, socio-economic status, political leaning or religion. One in three women around the world will experience gender-based violence in her lifetime, according to available statics.
The medical, security and legal costs of VAW to countries are immense. Violence against women dampens economic development and tears the fabric of society.   The health costs to women include not only the detrimental impact on their physical wellbeing, but also their susceptibility to HIV infection being increased and, consequently, the effect on their mental health.

WHO study

A study published by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in June 2013, reveals that intimate partner violence is the most common type of violence affecting 30 per cent of women worldwide.  There are many cases of women suffering injuries from gunshots and, in some instances, murder from their intimate partners.

In addition, WHO estimates that at least one in every three women globally will be beaten, raped or otherwise abused during her lifetime. Violence kills and disables as many women between the ages of 15 and 44 as cancer does, and its toll on women's health surpasses that of traffic accidents and malaria combined.

Ghana context

In Ghana, statistics on gender-based violence is not very different from the global picture. Research shows that one in three women has experienced physical violence and one in five women has experienced psychological violence.

In the last three years, deaths of women caused by male partners have dominated the newspapers. A report released by the Human Rights Advocacy Centre (HRAC) in November 2012, recorded 53 cases of spousal murders from January 2010 to July 2012.

The media continue to report customary and religious practices that are dehumanising and affect the wellbeing of women and girls. An example is the taboo that prevents expectant mothers from giving birth in their villages which could contribute to maternal mortality.  Another taboo prevents menstruating girls from staying in their village, a situation which may contribute to  girls failing the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) because five days in every month, these girls must be absent from school.   

DOVVSU

When it comes to violence against children, statistics from the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) shows that in 2010, there were 986 defilement cases.  This figure jumped to 1,176 in 2011 and in the first two quarters of 2012, there were 531 defilement cases.  The first half of 2013 is still recording scary numbers of 1,580 for non maintenance, 313 for defilement and 76 for rape.

It is important to note that boys and men are  also abused. Indeed, the DOVVSU has data on the number of men who are abused by their intimate partners and boys who are physically abused and sexually molested. One and then three boys were defiled in 2011 and 2012 respectively. The media report cases where women have seriously maimed or murdered their male partners.  

Institutional discrimination against women is another example of gender-based violence. The Ghana Education Service’s (GES) Code of Discipline (1998) stipulates that “a female student who becomes pregnant would be made to withdraw for a minimum period of one year to apply for readmission”.

Some colleges have used this provision to threaten teacher trainees of dismissal and or prevent them from writing their final exams. The fact that this rule is still a part of the GES’ Code of Discipline and is enforceable by educational institutions in this country makes it a threat to Ghanaian women and a direct violation of the 1992 Constitution which explicitly prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender.

In conclusion, while the government is being commended for promulgating laws that address gender-based violence, establishing DOVVSU and domestic violence courts, there are still challenges that need to be addressed.

These include limited resources for DOVVSU to effectively do its work, victims of violence being unable to access the Domestic Violence Fund and not receiving adequate reparation from the courts. Further, there are other forms of gender-based violence that must be investigated, with the necessary actions taken to address them, including through legislation, public awareness and advocacy.

It is expected that during this year’s 16 Days of Activism campaign, Parliament, the media, religious groups, schools, the private sector and traditional leaders would give attention (through speeches, posters, wrist bands, documentaries) to end gender-based violence.

When citizens’ rights, particularly girls and women’s rights, are respected and protected, which include giving them the opportunity to pursue education, employment, participate in decision making and enjoy family life, social drive and economic progress is accelerated.