Zonta Club of Accra II launches short film to spotlight GBV in digital spaces
Zonta Club of Accra Il has launched a short film in Accra to highlight the growing threat of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), particularly in digital spaces and its profound emotional and psychological impact on women and girls.
The event formed part of the global 16 Days of Activism campaign, which seeks to raise awareness of violence against women and girls and inspire more decisive community action.
The club's President, Merley Wood, explained that the idea for the film emerged from the need to create a lasting, impactful medium to draw attention to digital violence.
She said that after years of exhibitions and awareness programmes held during the 16 Days campaign, the group asked itself how to ensure the message resonated beyond the period.
"After the 16 days, and after the showing of the pictures and exhibition, we asked what was next? How do we get people to retain the issues that we have raised?" she said.
She noted that a recent viral video showing a woman being abused in her home became a turning point, prompting the group to use film as a more memorable storytelling tool.
According to Mrs Wood, the incident highlighted the powerful influence of digital media, both as a platform for exposing abuse and as a space where violence can be amplified.
This dual nature inspired the creation of the film, titled "Akua", which aims to use visual storytelling to provoke reflection, spark conversations and encourage social change.
By turning a disturbing real-life incident into a cinematic narrative, the club hopes the film will help audiences better understand the complexities of GBV, including its often-hidden psychological toll.
GBV in Ghana
Mrs Wood said Ghana must continue to reflect critically on the progress made in addressing GBV.
While the country has passed laws such as the Domestic Violence Act and, more recently, the Affirmative Action Law, she stressed that "there is still a lot more to be done."
"Domestic violence is particularly difficult to deal with, requiring a lot of resources to address it effectively," she noted, adding that the gaps in support systems remained significant.
A panel discussion highlighted progress made over the years, including stronger legal frameworks and improved awareness, while acknowledging persistent gaps in support and protection for survivors.
Funding shortages and systemic challenges emerged as major constraints, with speakers calling for stronger private-sector involvement and better institutional coordination.
Experts also stressed the need for specialised, survivor-centred psychological support, explaining that domestic violence counselling required more nuanced skills than general mental-health support.
They emphasised the importance of sensitivity, training and genuinely listening to survivors.
Panellists further pointed out weaknesses in law enforcement and social services, recommending structural reforms, including elevating specialised units, granting greater autonomy to relevant agencies, and developing an integrated referral system to support survivors better.
